The Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a virtual public informational/CEPA scoping meeting* concerning the proposed replacement of Stiles Bridge (Bridge 01524) carrying Route 191 over Scantic River in East Windsor, on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. The formal presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. Refer to the project webpage for more detail: https://portal.ct.gov/DOTEastWindsor46-127.
The meeting will be live streamed via Microsoft Teams Live Event and YouTube Live. A Question and Answer session will immediately follow the presentation. The presentation will be recorded. Instructions on how to access the meeting and on how to provide comments or ask questions can be found at the project webpage: https://portal.ct.gov/DOTEastWindsor46-127.
The project is identified as State Project No. 0046-0127.
Stiles Bridge (Bridge 01524) is a 76-foot span steel truss structure on reinforced concrete abutments. The curb-to-curb width is 27-feet 10-inches, and the out-to-out is 29-feet. The bridge was built in 1925 and the superstructure underwent a significant rehabilitation in 1987. It carries one lane of traffic in each direction and the estimated average daily traffic is 1,500 vehicles.
The proposed project scope is to replace the existing bridge. Replacement is required based on the findings of the latest bridge inspection report in which the bridge was found to be in serious condition. The new structure will be a multi-girder steel superstructure on reinforced concrete abutments.
An approximate 9-month closure of Bridge 01524 and a corresponding detour of pedestrian and vehicular traffic is required. The proposed detour is approximately 10.7 miles using State Routes. There are right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed project.
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 $9 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 with 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 Mr. Ken-Taro Plude by email at ken-taro.plude@ct.gov, allow one week for processing and delivery.
Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (800) 779-3152 and entering the Participant Code when prompted: 3998306. 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 17-day comment period that follows the meeting, individuals may leave a question or comment via email (preferred) at DOTProject46-127@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 5 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.
*A Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) Scoping Meeting is required for this project because of an adverse impact on a historic resource (the replacement of Bridge 01524). This requirement is per CEPA Regulations 22a-1a-1 to 22a-1a-12 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and CEPA Statues 22a-1 to 22a-1h of the Connecticut General Statutes. More information regarding CEPA Scoping is available here: https://portal.ct.gov/CEQ/Environmental-Monitor/Environmental-Monitor/Environmental-Monitor---Current-Issue.