Press Releases
11/12/2019
Public Information Meeting Regarding Proposed Major Intersection Improvements on Route 72 at Route 69 in Bristol
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a public information meeting regarding proposed major intersection improvements on Route 72 at Route 69 in Bristol on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at the City of Bristol Council Chambers, 111 North Main Street, Bristol Connecticut, 06010. A design presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m., followed by a question and answer session.
If postponement of the public information meeting is required due to inclement weather or other conditions, it will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2019, at the original hour and location.
The project is identified as state project No. 17-187.
The purpose of the project is to reduce congestion, address traffic operational inefficiencies, and improve safety for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.
The configuration of the intersection of Route 72 and Route 69 will be improved by realigning Route 72 to the north which will soften curvature along Route 72 and allow geometric improvements to the intersection. Dedicated left-turn lanes will be added to both approaches of Route 72. The existing dedicated left-turn lanes on the approaches of Route 69 will remain, but will be realigned so the movements do not overlap. The new geometry of the Route 72/69 intersection will allow for tractor trailers to make all turns. The existing Divinity Street/Route 72 intersection will be eliminated; Divinity Street will be shortened to terminate at its intersection with Landry Street. A new “T” type intersection will be formed by extending Pratt Street north to Route 72. The Pratt street leg will be stop-sign controlled and a left-turn lane will be provided on Route 72 to accommodate vehicles turning left onto Pratt Street. Sidewalk and crosswalk enhancements will be included to provide pedestrian connectivity throughout the project limits. Four-foot-wide shoulders will be provided throughout the project limits to improve bicycle safety. The proposed realignment of Route 72 will result in the reduction of parking spaces in the existing parking lot located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Route 69 and 72. To compensate for the reduction in parking, and to meet the needs of the community, reasonable efforts to provide additional parking within the project limits will be included. Details and locations for the new parking is being coordinated with City of Bristol officials.
There are right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements: five total-property acquisitions and seven sliver acquisitions are expected.
Construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2022 based on the availability of funding. The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $6.0 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with eighty percent (80%) federal funds and twenty percent (20%) state funds.
The public information 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 this proposed project.
The meeting facility is ADA accessible. Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department’s Language Assistance Call Line at (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting. Persons having a hearing and/or speech disability may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) and instruct the operator to contact (860) 594-2243. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely 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. Matthew Vail at (860) 594-3274 or by e-mail at matthew.vail@ct.gov. Plans are also available for review at the Bristol City Hall two weeks prior to the meeting.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062
FAX: (860) 594-3065
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot