CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NEWS RELEASE
2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546
NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546
FOR RELEASE: May 26, 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 9th Open Planning Studio in June

One Day Entirely in Spanish

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has announced that it will host its ninth Open Planning Studio on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 14 and 15, 2016, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Arroyo Recreation Center, 30 Pope Park Drive, in Hartford.

This is a two-day event on June 14th and June 15th.  The activities on June 14th will be conducted in English.  The activities on June 15th will be conducted in Spanish. June 15th will be the first all-Spanish public forum conducted for the project in efforts to gather input from the large number of Spanish-speaking populations in the project area. This day will be fully staffed by Hispanic, Spanish-speaking staff from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. 

All members of the public are welcome to attend either day, at any time. They can talk with planners and engineers as well as observe and/or participate in design sessions and discussions related to the I-84 Hartford Project.    A detailed schedule of events for each day is listed below. 

Over the last year, CTDOT has developed three primary alternatives for replacing the aging I-84 Viaduct in Hartford. Whether I-84 will be rebuilt as an elevated, at-grade, or tunneled highway will greatly affect Hartford and its residents. The project team will present its evaluation of each alternative and associated opportunities for development, improved public health and safety, and much more. 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 any 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, as well as to give input on possible solutions for I-84. Visit i84hartford.com/get-involved for event details.

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, June 14, 2016

12 – 8 PM:                    Open to the Public

12 – 1:30 PM                Public Advisory Committee Meeting

1:30 – 3 PM:                 Urban Design Session

3 – 6 PM:                      Youth Activities (All Ages Welcome)

6 – 7:30 PM:                 Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Session

Wednesday, June 15, 2016 (All content will be in Spanish)

12 – 8 PM:                    Open to the Public

12:30 PM:                     Public / Local Business Presentation

3 – 6 PM:                      Youth Activities (All Ages Welcome)

6 PM:                           Public Presentation