Press Releases
07/12/2021
Public Information Meeting Concerning the Rehabilitation of Bridge 01469 (Dutch Point Viaduct) in Hartford
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a public information meeting concerning the proposed rehabilitation of Bridge 01469B (Dutch Point Viaduct) on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. The formal presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. Refer to the project webpage for more detail: https://portal.ct.gov/DOTHartford63-727.
The project is identified as State Project No. 0063-0726.
The purpose of the project is to upgrade the integrity of the bridge structural elements to a “state of good repair” to meet current design standards. The upgrade of the bridge will extend the service life of the structure and will also attempt to improve its load carry capacity, with the intent that all legal and permit vehicles are accommodated.
Bridge 01469B (Dutch Point Viaduct) carries three lanes of southbound Interstate 91 traffic over the Connecticut Southern Railroad (CSRR), SR 598 Westbound and TR803 in Hartford. It was built in 1964 and has undergone several rehabilitations since. The 2015 average daily traffic (ADT) is approximately 48,200 vehicles per day with 14% truck traffic. The bridge consists of 33 spans and with an overall length of approximately 1,800 feet. The curb-to-curb width is 42’-0” and the out-to-out width is 47’-6”.
The Fracture Critical and Routine inspection report dated 3/1/2019 rated the “Deck” a “4” (Poor Condition) due to numerous hollow areas, random cracking, concrete repair patches and efflorescence throughout. The rating was lowered during this inspection due to the progressive deteriorating condition of the deck since the 2017 inspection.
To address the poor deck condition, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey data and core samplings were collected, analyzed and compared to evaluate the extent of the deck deterioration. The results mapped the deteriorated deck areas as well as the non-composite deck spans. The evaluation also indicated some bottom deck area exhibits substantially greater deterioration than the topside deck area; therefore, some of these areas would require full depth patching. In addition, Bridge Safety Inspection Report and field evidence of slapping and pumping of the slabs were also considered for the evaluation.
Based upon inspection and evaluation of Bridge 01469B, the following is recommended:
- Deck replacement with precast panels
- Joint replacement (including longitudinal joint and elastomeric concrete headers)
- Superstructure steel repair and strengthening
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Spot painting
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Repair and strengthening of steel pier bents using micropiles
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Substructure patching
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Repair of the bridge drainage system
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Replacement of steel sliding plate bearings (Bents 4W, 5E, & 7E)
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Repair of curved plate fixed bearings not in contact with masonry plates
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Cleaning and painting rocker bearings
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Repair of all spalled concrete bearing pedestals
Construction will be performed utilizing stage construction utilizing a movable barrier system providing off-peak lane closures. Existing traffic lanes will be maintained during peak periods.
The project area is within the levee protected flood zone X of the Connecticut River and therefore, it is not anticipated there will be a need for floodplain management certification.
The utilities present within the project limits include water supply for the Hartford Steam Co. buried beneath the bridge and electric supply to roadway lighting within the bridge superstructure. The bridge also spans the Connecticut Southern Railroad. The old Railroad Righ of Way beneath the bridge was acquired by CTDOT during Project 63-161 and the new Railroad Right of Way alignment was never re-deeded to the Railroad. The buried Park River conduit is also crossed by the Bridge.
Right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed project are not anticipated.
Construction is anticipated to begin in spring of 2023 based on the availability of funding, acquisition of rights of way and approval of permit(s). The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $52.75 million. The construction part of the project is anticipated to be undertaken with 100-percent state funds.
The 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 Ms. Mei W. Wong by email at mei.wong@ct.gov or by phone at (860) 594-3163. Please allow one week for processing and delivery.
Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling 1-888-566-5916 and entering the Participant Code when prompted: 9977843. 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 DOTProject63-726@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 MEDIA INQUIRIES:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: 860-594-3003
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot
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