CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NEWS RELEASE
2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546
NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456
FOR RELEASE: April 23, 2013
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062
FAX: (860) 594-3065
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Public Information Meeting Concerning Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements on Route 44 (Burnside Avenue) from U.S. Route 5 (Main Street) to Mary Street), Town of East Hartford
The Connecticut Department of Transportation will conduct a public informational meeting concerning State Project 42-315, bicycle and pedestrian improvements on Route 44, Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at the East Hartford Town Hall in the Council Chambers (2nd floor), 740 Main Street, East Hartford, Connecticut.  Department personnel will be available at 6:30 p.m. to answer questions prior to formal presentation at 7:00 p.m.
The purpose of this project is to convert the existing four lane road, which consists of two lanes in each direction with parking in the outside travel lane into a two-lane road (road diet), creating bicycle lanes, and shoulders wide enough for parking in order to enhance the safety of pedestrians and cyclists on this section of U.S. Route 44 (Burnside Avenue). From 2007 to 2009, there were 6 accidents involving bicycles, and 8 accidents involving pedestrians within the project limits.
The present schedule indicates that the design will be completed in spring 2014, with construction anticipated to start in spring 2015, based on the availability of funding.  The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $2.8 million and it is anticipated to be undertaken with 90% Federal funds and 10% State funds.  
The public informational meeting is being held to afford a full opportunity for public participation and to allow open discussion of any views and comments the community may have concerning bicycle and pedestrian Improvements within this section of Route 44.
The meeting facility is ADA accessible.  Deaf and hearing impaired persons wishing to attend this meeting and requiring an interpreter, must make arrangements by contacting the Department’s Office of Communications at (860) 594-3062 (voice only) at least five working days prior to the meeting.  Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public, and efforts will be make to respond to request for assistance.
More detailed information is available at the Department’s Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Connecticut, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.  Anyone wishing to discuss the project may contact Mr. Timothy M. Wilson at (860) 594-3189 or by e-mail at Timothy.Wilson@ct.gov. Plans are also available for review at the East Hartford Town Hall – Town Clerk’s Office, 740 Main Street, East Hartford, Connecticut.