Press Releases
12/03/2019
Public Information Meeting Concerning Proposed Replacement of Bridge 01489 Carrying Route 178 (Park Avenue) over Beamans Brook, and Proposed Replacement of Bridge 05576 Carrying Route 185 (Simsbury Road) over Tumbledown Brook Channel, in Bloomfield
The Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a public information meeting concerning the proposed replacement of Bridge 01489 carrying Route 178 (Park Avenue) over Beamans Brook and the proposed replacement of Bridge 05576 carrying Route 185 (Simsbury Road) over Tumbledown Brook Channel, on Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at the Bloomfield Community Center, 330 Park Avenue, Bloomfield, CT. The formal presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the meeting will be held on Monday, December 16, 2019, at the same time and place.
The purpose of Project 0011-0156 is to replace Bridge 01489, which was originally constructed in 1915. The project is being initiated to address the structural and hydraulic deficiencies of the existing structure in order to improve the condition of the bridge to a state of good repair. Bridge 01489 carries Park Avenue with one lane of traffic in each direction. The 2015 estimated average daily traffic is approximately 12,100 vehicles.
The purpose of Project 0011-0158 is to replace Bridge 05576, which was originally constructed in 1956. The project is being initiated to address the structural deficiencies of the existing structure to also improve the condition of the bridge to a state of good repair. Bridge 05576 carries Simsbury Road with one lane of traffic in each direction. The 2015 estimated average daily traffic is approximately 9,100 vehicles.
Full structure replacements have been recommended for each structure due to the deterioration of the existing structures, with components of the existing bridges rated in “poor condition”.
There are right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements under both projects. Temporary easements will be required at both ends of each bridge to allow for construction access. Temporary construction easements, rights to slope, and drainage rights of way are expected at Bridge 01489. Permanent right-of-way impacts may be needed at Bridge 05576 to the east of the bridge to install a new headwall and wingwalls.
Each bridge replacement project will require a full road closure and detour during the summer months when school will not be in session. For the replacement of Bridge 01489 at Route 178, the road will be closed for a maximum of 56 consecutive days. The proposed 2.1 mile detour route will use Crestview Drive and Wintonbury Avenue. For the replacement of Bridge 05576 at Route 185, the road will be closed for approximately 14 consecutive days. The proposed 3.9 mile detour route will use Route 178, Route 189 and Route 218.
Construction of both projects is anticipated to begin in spring of 2022 based on the availability of funding and receipt of permits. The estimated construction cost for project 0011-0156 is approximately $2.8 million undertaken with 100 percent state funds. The estimated construction cost for project 0011-0158 is approximately $1.2 million with 80 percent federal funds and 20 percent state funds. Construction for both projects is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2022.
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 5 business days prior to the meeting. Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) and must 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 Bryan H. Reed at (860) 594-3418 or by email Bryan.Reed@ct.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062
FAX: (860) 594-3065
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot