Press Releases
02/11/2021
Virtual Public Information Meeting Regarding the Rehabilitation of Bridge 05002 Carrying Ponus Ridge Road over Collins Pond in New Canaan
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a public information meeting concerning the proposed rehabilitation of Bridge 05002 carrying Ponus Ridge Road over Collins Pond, in New Canaan, on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. The formal presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. Refer to the project webpage for more detail: https://portal.ct.gov/DOTNewCanaan89-129.
The project is identified as State Project No. 0089-0129. The purpose of the project is to rehabilitate Bridge 05002.
The existing Bridge was built in 1957, and carries Ponus Ridge Road over Rippowam River (Upper Reach) in the town of New Canaan approximately 0.2 miles northwest of Clearview Lane. The existing bridge is located approximately 45 feet downstream from the concrete masonry dam and spillway of Collins Pond. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) study refers to the watercourse upstream of and through this bridge as the Rippowam River (Upper Reach). However, the project title will indicate that the bridge carries Ponus Ridge Road over Collins Pond to agree with the Department’s inventory of bridges. This single span structure is 36’-6” long with a span length of approximately 32 feet and carries one lane of traffic in each direction with a curb-to-curb width of 22’-0”.
The proposed rehabilitation of Bridge 05002 involves replacing the existing superstructure with precast concrete deck units topped with a 5-inch minimum thickness shear slab, a waterproofing membrane and 3 inches of bituminous concrete. The existing abutments will be modified to accommodate the new superstructure. The curb-to-curb width of the deck will be increased to 24 feet wide to accommodate a 10-foot travel lane and 2-foot shoulder in each direction. 42-inch vertical shaped parapets with stone cladding will be constructed on both sides of the bridge to give a stone façade for the structure to improve aesthetics at the site.
The proposed rehabilitation will be accomplished during one construction season. The maintenance and protection of traffic involves a full closure of Ponus Ridge Road at the bridge and a detour of traffic. The proposed detour route is approximately 4.5 miles long and uses Greenley Road, West Road and Dans Highway.
It is anticipated that Rights-of-Way impacts to private property surrounding the bridge will include four permanent acquisitions to keep the existing wingwall ends within the Town’s street Right-of-Way, and two temporary construction easements.
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 $1.55 million. The construction of this project is anticipated to be undertaken with 80-percent federal funds and 20-percent municipal 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 public informational 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 James Barrows by email at DOT-FLBP@ct.gov or by phone at (860) 594-3192. (Allow one week for processing and delivery.)
Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (800) 857-4235 and entering the Participant Code when prompted: 4380438. 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 product 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 DOT-FLBP@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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: 860-594-3003
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTDOTOfficial