CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: February 17, 2012

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

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The Connecticut Department of Transportation's Office of Engineering is developing plans for the rehabilitation of Bridge No. 00712, South Avenue (Route 124) over the Merritt Parkway and Bridge No. 00708, Ponus Ridge Road over the Merritt Parkway.

Project numbers 0089-0126 and 0089-0125 consist of cleaning the structures and patching and repairing deteriorated concrete with repair materials that match the existing historic concrete in color, texture, and pattern.  Graffiti removal may also be necessary.  Roadway pavement and fill over the concrete bridges will be excavated and the concrete at the topside of the bridges will be patched.  A waterproofing membrane will then be applied to the top of the repaired bridges to greatly reduce or eliminate future deterioration.  Proper repairs to the underside of the bridges are enhanced by also addressing repairs to the topside.

Bridge No. 00708 will accommodate one lane of alternating one-way traffic on Ponus Ridge Road during the performance of the topside repairs.  Bridge No. 00712 will accommodate one lane of traffic in each direction on South Avenue (Route 124) during the performance of the topside repairs.  Topside repairs are estimated to take eight weeks on each bridge.  Repairs to deteriorated concrete on the fascias and underside of each bridge will begin upon completion of the topside work, although a portion may run concurrent with topside repairs.  The work will be staged to provide minimal impact to the traveling public and residents of the surrounding areas.

The present schedule indicates that the designs will be completed in November of 2012, with construction anticipated to start in the spring of 2013.  These projects will be undertaken with 80 % Federal and 20 % State funds.

It is the Department's policy to keep the public informed and involved when such projects are undertaken.  It is important that the community share its concerns with us to assist in project development. A public informational meeting will be conducted upon the completion of the preliminary designs.  At this time, it is not anticipated that a formal public hearing will be necessary.

Anyone interested in receiving information on these projects may do so by contacting Mr. Rabih M. Barakat, Transportation Principal Engineer, at (860) 594-3208, or by e-mail at Rabih.Barakat@ct.gov.  Please make reference to State Project Numbers 0089-0126 and 0089-0125.