The Connecticut Department of Transportation will conduct a Public Information Meeting for State Project No. 150-126 concerning the replacement of a concrete crib wall which carries Route 45 in Washington.  The wall is located approximately 1500 feet south of the intersection of Route 45/SR478/Flirtation Avenue, in the vicinity of Riverdance Mill.  The meeting will be held on Tuesday June 9, 2009 at Bryan Memorial Hall, 2 Bryan Hall Plaza in Washington Depot.  An informal question and answer session will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a formal presentation at 7:00 p.m.

The existing crib wall was built in 1929 and is approximately 170 feet long.  A 5-foot timber crib wall was subsequently added on top of the concrete wall.  In September 2004, the timber crib wall was replaced with rock gabions to create a more stable condition, however, the wall is in generally poor condition and in need of replacement.

The proposed project consists of replacing the existing crib wall with a new pre-cast concrete retaining wall.  Most of the existing crib wall will be removed requiring a portion of Route 45 in the vicinity of the Riverdance Mill to be closed to traffic during construction.  Local traffic is proposed to be diverted around the project site along a detour route utilizing state and local roads.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the early spring of 2011 and to be completed in the early summer of the same year.  The estimated cost for this project is approximately $2,100,000 and will be undertaken with Federal and State funds.  Minor impacts to private property are anticipated and could consist of drainage easements, a partial property acquisition and temporary easements to access the construction site.

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.

Plans of the proposed project will be on display for public review.  ConnDOT personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss the project.  More detailed information is available at the Department’s Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Connecticut, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.  In addition, plans are available at Town Hall for review.  Anyone wishing to discuss this project may contact Mr. James H. Norman at (860) 594-3272 or by e-mail at james.norman@ct.gov.  Please refer to State Project No.150-126.

Any persons interested in this project are welcome to attend this meeting and discuss the project with ConnDOT personnel.