(Newington, Conn.) – The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced that the safety and pedestrian improvement project at the Arrigoni Bridge, which connects Middletown and Portland, Conn., has been completed. The project, which started in February 2020, included replacement of the bridge deck, improvements to the bridge approaches on both sides of the Connecticut River, new sidewalks, and steel and concrete repairs which improve safety and increase the lifespan of the bridge.
“This complex project included many facets and multiple stakeholders and was getting underway right when the pandemic first hit Connecticut. I am incredibly proud of the construction workers and CTDOT team who kept the project moving forward,” Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe Giulietti said. “Thank you to our federal, state, and local partners and community stakeholders who worked with us and helped make this project a success.”
The Arrigoni Bridge, also known as the Portland Bridge, is a steel through arch bridge that carries Routes 66 and 17 across the Connecticut River, connecting Middletown and Portland. Its two distinctive 600 feet steel arches have the longest span length of any bridge in the state. When it opened in 1938, the 1,200-foot-long bridge was the most expensive bridge ever built in Connecticut, costing $3.5 million.
CTDOT worked with the contractor, Mohawk Northeast, Inc., to complete construction activities at the Arrigoni Bridge and the St. John’s Square and Main Street intersection in three separate stages to maintain safe traffic flow through the area. The St. John’s Square pedestrian and traffic safety improvement project included new sidewalks, pavement, and roadway infrastructure improvements and was completed in 2021.
“The completion of upgrades to the Arrigoni Bridge are a major milestone reached for Portland and the surrounding region. For many of my constituents, the bridge is used to commute to work, go to school, and visit local stores and restaurants. These improvements will maintain the bridge as a safe, reliable route for all who travel on it,” State Senator Norm Needleman said. “My thanks to the construction workers involved in the project and the Connecticut Department of Transportation, especially for their strong partnership with the Portland and Middletown delegations. A special thanks to the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce for their coordination efforts with our local businesses.”
“These upgrades are improving connectivity and saving lives. I’ve worked with CTDOT throughout this project and I’m glad to see it reaching completion. Going forward we need to continue to improve bicycle and pedestrian connections on both sides of the river and CTDOT’s role is vital,” State Senator Matt Lesser said.
“Improvements made to the Arrigoni Bridge will help address the ongoing issue of pedestrian safety. I appreciate CTDOT for prioritizing our bridge and local residents and businesses for their patience during the project,” State Representative Christie Carpino said.
While the Arrigoni Bridge deck was paved in summer 2021 work continued underneath the structure until summer 2022. That work included replacement of bearings, steel upgrades, painting, and other structural improvements. The final inspections were conducted August 1, 2022, signaling the substantial completion of the overall project.
The project was completed with 80 percent federal funds and 20 percent State funds. Members of the public are advised that workers will remain in the area over the next several weeks to finalize minor items. Motorists are advised to use caution in work zones: slow down, keep a safe distance, and stay alert.