CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: January 13, 2009

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced today that a public informational meeting concerning the proposed improvements to Interstate 95 in East Lyme, Waterford and New London will be held January 27, 2009 in the Upper Meeting Room of the East Lyme Town Hall, 108 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic. Informal/Individual questions and answers with DOT Officials will begin at 6:30 p.m.  A formal presentation is at 7:00 p.m.  In the event of inclement weather, the meeting will be held January 29, 2009 (at the same time and location).

This project consists of providing safety, pavement, and bridge improvements along Interstate Route 95 from Interchange 72 (Rocky Neck Connector) in East Lyme to approximately 1500 feet east of the Waterford / New London town line.  The total project length is approximately 8.67 miles.  This project does not include the addition of any travel lanes or widening of I-95.

Work is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2009 and be completed in the fall of 2011.  This work is entirely state funded.  The estimated construction cost for this project is $ 25,000,000. 

The construction will be performed utilizing temporary lane closures during off-peak hours.  Based on state highway boundary mapping, all of the proposed work is within the State Right-of-Way; therefore, no impacts to private property are anticipated. 

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.

Representatives from the Department of Transportation will be available at 6:30 p.m. to answer any questions, with a formal presentation beginning at 7:00 p.m. Residents, commuters, business owners, and other interested individuals are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn of and discuss the proposed work. Plans are available for review at the Town Clerk’s Office in the East Lyme, Waterford and New London Town Halls.

Written questions or comments should be directed to Mr. Richard B. Armstrong, CT Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 317546, Newington CT 06131-7546, or at e-mail address richard.armstrong@po.state.ct.us