The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing the commencement of the final stage of construction for the ongoing Merritt Parkway improvement project in Fairfield and Westport. During this stage, northbound and southbound traffic lanes will be placed into final alignment in preparation for final paving overlay.
The five-mile stretch of the Merritt Parkway included in the project will transition to full final alignment progressing East to West (Fairfield to Westport) as median reconstruction work is completed and temporary barriers are removed. The first 1 1/4 mile section of Parkway to be placed into final alignment will include the southbound and northbound roadway from the Congress Street overpass to where the Parkway crosses over Cross Highway in Fairfield.
Construction activities will also include raising drainage basin tops to match final pavement, final paving over the entire width of the reconstructed roadway, installing final pavement markings (12-foot travel lanes), installation of median plantings, and establishment of the grass shoulder.
Motorists can expect lane closures in the right and left lanes in both directions as construction continues. Lane closures will typically occur during the evening and nighttime hours from 7 PM to 6 AM northbound and southbound. Due to a reduction in traffic volume on the Parkway daytime lane closures from 6 AM to 3 PM can also be expected.
All motorists traveling on the Merritt Parkway are required to obey posted vehicle restrictions and are reminded that no vehicles over 8 feet tall are allowed on the Parkway. The existing vertical clearance under the Newtown Turnpike Bridge is lower than the existing bridge height during construction.
The project consists of the rehabilitation of 5 miles (each direction) of Route 15 and 11 structures (over and underpasses) in the towns of Fairfield and Westport. Upgrades to pavement, guiderail, drainage and historic concrete are included.
DOT Project No. 0158-0211/207 was awarded to Manafort Brothers, Inc. at a cost of $56,712,000.00 on January 20, 2017 and is scheduled to be completed August 8, 2020.