CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: September 9, 2016

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

I-84 Hartford Project Team to Host 10^th Open Planning Studio in September

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) I-84 Hartford Viaduct Project Team has announced that it will host its tenth Open Planning Studio on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 from noon to 8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland Street, in Hartford.

The September Open Planning Studio will consist of a public workshop focusing on the opportunities reducing the visual impacts of the interstate including “capping”, or covering over, portions of I-84 if reconstructed at or slightly below ground-level. In addition, the project team is seeking input from the public on potential designs for bicycle and pedestrian accommodations and facilities in the corridor.  All members of the public are welcome to attend the workshop at any time.

Over the last year, the CTDOT has developed three primary build alternatives for replacing the aging I-84 bridges in Hartford. The redesigned I-84 will greatly affect Hartford and its residents. Public input has already influenced the development of many design ideas. Continued involvement is vital to ensuring that the rebuilt highway corridor benefits all users.

Open Planning Studios are a way for local residents, commuters, business owners, and other interested parties to learn about and receive updates on the I-84 Hartford Project. They are an opportunity to interact with the project team’s engineers and planners, and to give input on possible solutions for I-84. Visit i84hartford.com/get-involved for event details.  A detailed schedule of events is listed below. 

The purpose of the I-84 Hartford Project is to address structural deficiencies, as well as improve traffic operations, safety, and mobility on the I-84 mainline and its interchanges between Flatbush Avenue and I-91 in Hartford.  The I-84 Hartford Project strives to reduce the highway’s negative impact on the city, while creating efficient connections to other modes of transportation.

CTDOT is evaluating the I-84 Hartford Project corridor in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, the Capitol Region Council of Governments, the City of Hartford, the Town of East Hartford, the Town of West Hartford, as well as other local agencies and stakeholder groups. A Public Advisory Committee, comprised of a wide range of stakeholders has been, and will continue to be, instrumental in guiding each of the alternatives.

The meeting facilities are ADA accessible. Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department of Transportation’s Office of Communications (voice only) at (860) 594-3062 at least five working days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public, and efforts will be made to respond to requests for assistance.

Schedule of Events - Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Noon – 8 p.m: Open to the Public

2 – 3:30 p.m: Urban design session

5:30 – 7 p.m: Bicycle, pedestrian, and transit design session