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

FOR RELEASE: May 9, 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 (Department) will conduct a public information meeting concerning the Heroes Tunnel Project (Project 167-108), Route 15 through the West Rock Ridge in Woodbridge, Hamden and New Haven.  The meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at the City of New Haven, Hall of Records Building (Room G2), 200 Orange Street, New Haven, Connecticut.  An open forum for individual discussions with Department officials will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a formal presentation at 7:00 p.m.

The Heroes Tunnel, also known as Bridge No. 00773, consists of twin 1,200 foot long horseshoe-shaped tunnels, carrying two lanes of Route 15 (Wilbur Cross Parkway) traffic in each direction through the West Rock Ridge. The Heroes Tunnel carries approximately 71,000 vehicles daily and is a vital scenic connector between New York and Hartford, as well as an alternate expressway route to Interstates 95 and 91.

Structural and drainage deficiencies have been identified within the Heroes Tunnel.  The general deterioration necessitates either rehabilitation or replacement.  In addition to the deteriorating condition of the tunnel, other characteristics are substandard such as the electrical and mechanical utilities, all of which would be upgraded or improved through this project. 

The Department has retained CDM Smith, Inc., a consulting firm with offices in New Haven, to lead the project through design.  The project team recently completed a Preliminary Engineering Study where several rehabilitation alternatives were identified, including variations of tunnel rehabilitation, tunnel widening, and construction of a new third barrel. 

With this initial study complete, the next phase will focus on environmental documentation, stakeholder (area residents, public officials, commuters, or anyone else who wishes to be involved with this project) engagement, and preliminary design. Design alternatives will be reassessed with consideration given to stakeholder comments.  To keep the public informed, the project team anticipates launching a website and hosting a series of additional public meetings in the coming months.

This public information meeting is being held to continue stakeholder participation and to allow open discussion of any views and comments the community may have concerning this proposed project. 

Department personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss this project.  More detailed information is available at Department’s Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Connecticut during office hours, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. Anyone wishing to discuss the project may contact Mr. David Cutler at (860) 594-3210 or by e-mail at David.Cutler@ct.gov.

All persons interested in this project are welcome to attend this meeting and discuss the project with Department personnel.