CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: June 19, 2017

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 (Department) Office of Engineering is developing plans to make interchange improvements on Route 15 at Exit 58 to Route 34 in the town of Orange.

The purpose of the project is to provide safety and operational improvements to the Route 15 ramps to/from Route 34 westbound.  The project involves reconstructing the median to provide the required roadway width, installing concrete median barrier, and modifying pavement markings along the mainline of Route 15.  Additionally, tree and shrub clearing will be performed along the right-of-way for all eight ramps to improve sight lines for the interchange.

The present schedule indicates that the design will be completed in spring 2019, with construction anticipated to start in fall 2019, assuming acceptance of the project, availability of funding and receipt of any required right-of-way and environmental permits.  This project will be undertaken with eighty percent (80%) federal and twenty percent (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 the Department to assist in the project's development.  A public informational meeting will be conducted upon the completion of the preliminary design.  At this time, it is not anticipated that a formal public hearing will be necessary.

Anyone interested in receiving information on this project may do so by contacting William W. Britnell, P.E., Principal Engineer, at (860) 594-3274 or by e-mail at William.Britnell@ct.gov.  Please make reference to State Project No. 0106-0128.