The Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (Department) Office of Engineering is developing plans to replace a section of retaining wall that supports Route 44 in Putnam.
The project involves replacing approximately 270 feet of the existing wall that supports Route 44 in the vicinity of the Cargill Falls Mill complex. The proposed improvements on Route 44 will include approximately 500 feet of full-depth roadway reconstruction adjacent to the retaining wall. The proposed roadway cross-section will match existing, with 11-foot travel lanes and 4-foot shoulders in each direction and a 5-foot concrete sidewalk. The sidewalk reconstruction will extend beyond the roadway construction limits to address the poor condition of the existing sidewalk for a total of approximately 1400 feet. Roadside safety appurtenances atop the retaining wall will be upgraded to current design standards.
The present schedule indicates that the design will be completed in October 2024, with construction anticipated to start in summer 2025, assuming acceptance of the project, availability of funding and receipt of any required right-of-way and environmental permits. This project will be undertaken with 80-percent federal funds and 20-percent state funds.
It is the Department's policy to keep the public informed and involved when such projects are undertaken. It is important that the community share its concerns with the Department to assist in the project's development. A public information meeting will be conducted upon the completion of the preliminary design. At this time, it is not anticipated that a formal public hearing will be necessary.
If anyone has any questions or comments on this project, contact Susan Libatique, Principal Engineer, at (860) 594-3179 or by e-mail at Susan.Libatique@ct.gov. Please reference State Project No. 115-122.