Public Informational Meeting Regarding Proposed Retaining Wall Replacement on Route 53 Weston

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

NEWS RELEASE

2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546

NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: January 22, 2014

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062

FAX: (860) 594-3065

WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Public Informational Meeting Regarding Proposed Retaining Wall Replacement on Route 53, Weston

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will conduct a public informational meeting to present the proposed retaining wall replacement located on Route 53 (Newtown Turnpike) in the vicinity of the Weston Racquet Club on Wednesday, February 5, 2014 (Snow Date: February 19, 2014) in the Meeting Room at the Town Hall, 56 Norfield Road, Weston, Connecticut. Department personnel will be available at 6:30 p.m. to answer questions prior to a formal design presentation at 7:00 p.m.

The project is identified as State Project No. 157-84.

The purpose of this project is to provide safety for the traveling public by proposing to construct an “L-type” concrete retaining wall in front of the existing metal bin retaining wall that has been determined to be in poor condition.

The exposed face of the proposed retaining wall would consist of a simulated stone pattern on the upper section as an aesthetic treatment, while the lower section would consist of a safety shape concrete barrier. It is also proposed to install an underdrain drainage system to address potential groundwater issues. Full-depth reconstruction of the affected roadway would be required after the wall construction.

Overhead utility relocations are not anticipated, but underground utilities may be affected by the proposed improvements of this project.

The present schedule indicates that the design will be completed in summer 2014, with construction anticipated to start in summer 2015. It is anticipated that a full two-month road closure will be required to construct the proposed concrete retaining wall. The road closure will be in the summer months of July and August to avoid the regular school year session. State routes will be designated as the official detour routes, and will be posted prior to the start of construction. Properties located at the Weston Racquet Club driveway and northwards will be accessed from the Route 53 southbound direction, and properties located south of the Weston Racquet Club will be accessed from the Route 53 northbound direction.

The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $1.8 million, and it is anticipated to be undertaken with 100% 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 the proposed improvements of this project.

The meeting facility is ADA accessible. Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department of Transportation's Office of Communications (Voice only) at (860) 594-3062 at least five working days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public, and efforts will be made to respond to requests for assistance.

Plans of the proposed project will be on display for public review. Department personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss this project. 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 will also be available for review two weeks prior to the meeting at the Town Hall, 56 Norfield Road, Weston, Connecticut.