Press Releases
05/12/2021
Virtual Public Informational Meeting Concerning the Replacement of Bridge 02128 Carrying Route 12 (Riverside Drive) over Sunset Hill Brook in Thompson
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a virtual public informational meeting concerning the proposed replacement of Bridge 02128 carrying Route 12 (Riverside Drive) over Sunset Hill Brook in Thompson, on Thursday, May 27, 2021. The formal presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. Refer to the project webpage for more detail: https://portal.ct.gov/DOTThompson141-157.
The project is identified as State Project No. 0141-0157.
The purpose of the project is to replace the existing bridge which was constructed in 1922 and carries US Route 12, also called Riverside Drive, over Sunset Hill Brook in Thompson. It is located approximately 1.2 miles north of the junction with I-395. The existing structure is a single span concrete cast-in-place bridge, approximately 22-feet long with a 27’-8” curb to curb width. The cast-in-place concrete deck slab sits on concrete abutments. R-B 350 metal beam rail extends from the approaches over the bridge beyond the wingwalls on both sides of the roadway on Route 12. The average daily traffic (ADT) is approximately 5,700 vehicles per day according to the most recent inspection report.
The structure was inspected and the superstructure was rated in poor condition due to deterioration issues. The structural slab shows deterioration on the underside with longitudinal and hairline cracks. Due to the extent of the deterioration of the existing bridge, Project 0141-0157 has been initiated to replace the bridge.
The preferred structure type to replace the existing bridge is an integral abutment bridge longer than the existing structure. The existing natural streambed material will be reused.
Existing utility poles carry overhead utility lines alongside the northbound lane and over the inlet of the structure. These utility poles will be relocated prior to construction and be returned to their existing location after the installation of the structure is complete. The existing utility located approximately 15-feet away from the bridge and sitting on its own supports at the inlet will be maintained during the construction activities.
There are right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements. Temporary construction easements will be necessary from two properties abutting the east side of the bridge totaling approximately 14,000 square feet. Permanent easements of approximately 711 square feet will also be required of these properties to accommodate the widening of the right-of-way limits because of the permanent relocation of Eversource poles #206 and #209 and to prevent aerial trespass violation. Slope easements may also be required of abutting properties, however, this will be minimized to the fullest extent possible.
Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2024 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 $2.6 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 80-percent federal funds and 20-percent state 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 and to afford 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 Raymond I. Basar by email at Raymond.Basar@ct.gov or by phone at (860) 594-3313. (Allow one week for processing and delivery.)
Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (888) 949-2798 and entering the Participant Code when prompted: 1591603. 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 DOTProject141-157@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
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTDOTOfficial