The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a virtual public information meeting concerning the proposed replacement of Bridge 02442 carrying Route 68 over Saw Brook on Thursday, December 17, 2020. The formal presentation will begin at 6:00 p.m. Refer to the project webpage for more detail: https://portal.ct.gov/DOTDurham37-103.
The project is identified as State Project No. 37-103.
The purpose of the project is to address the structural deficiencies of Bridge No. 02442, which supports State Route 68 (Wallingford Road) over Saw Mill Brook in Durham. The existing structure is a standard reinforced concrete slab bridge with a 12-foot clear span and an out to out deck width of 35 feet, 2-inches. The structure is in poor condition due to the presence of longitudinal cracking of up to 3/8-inch-wide with random efflorescence as well as moderate scaling along the waterline of the abutments and wingwalls. Additionally, three of the four abutment corners adjacent to the deck slab have diagonal cracks with efflorescence.
The proposed project consists of replacing the existing structure with a precast prestressed concrete deck unit superstructure on pile supported integral abutments. The existing roadway horizonal alignment will be maintained and the profile raised slightly in order to improve stopping sight distance. The curb to curb width of the roadway at the bridge will be widened to 34 feet to accommodate a 12-foot travel lane and a 5-foot shoulder in each direction.
Construction will be performed in two stages while maintaining traffic using signal controlled alternating one-way traffic operations. However, short-term off-peak roadway closures may be required for specific construction activities. It is anticipated that aerial utilities as well as a gas main will require temporary relocation.
There are right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements. It is anticipated that one construction easement will be required to the north of the structure.
Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2023 based on the availability of funding, acquisition of rights of way and approval of permits. The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $2.15 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 80-percent federal Funds and 20-percent state funds.
The virtual public information meeting is being held to provide the public and local community the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the proposed project. Persons with limited internet access may request that project information be mailed to them by contacting Louis Bacho by email at louis.bacho@ct.gov or by phone at (860) 594-3212. (Allow one week for processing and delivery.)
Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (888) 566-5973 and entering the Participant Code when prompted: 5720912. Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). The MS Teams Live Event offers closed captioning for the hearing impaired and non-English translation options. A recording of the formal presentation will be posted to YouTube following the event and closed captioning (including non-English translation options) will be available at that time. The recording will also be available in the list of DOT virtual public meetings here: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/general/CTDOT-VPIM-Library.
Visit the project webpage for options for Apple users. During the Q&A session and the 14 day comment period that follows the meeting, individuals may leave a question or comment via email (preferred) at DOTProject0037-0103@ct.gov. Individuals may also leave a voicemail question or comment by calling (860) 944-1111. Please reference the project in your voicemail.
Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department’s Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least five business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.