The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is developing plans to improve Rapallo Ave, deKoven Drive and Washington Street in Middletown.
The purpose of this project is to improve safety and reduce congestion in the vicinity of deKoven Drive and Rapallo Avenue. This project is needed because the lane configuration on Rapallo Avenue leads to excessive congestion at its intersection with Main Street. Additionally, there is substandard geometry on Rapallo Avenue that hinders safety.
This project involves converting the existing bi-directional roadway on Rapallo Avenue to a one-way configuration with a designated right turn lane and a through/left lane at the intersection with Main Street. By converting Rapallo Avenue to one-way, the new operations can be achieved with only minor roadway widening and while maintaining all 21 on-street parking spaces. This configuration will also improve the pedestrian safety of the crossing along Main Street and eliminate the current observed illegal left turns onto Rapallo Avenue from Main Street southbound. The shoulders on deKoven Drive will be widened to provide additional space for bicyclists and the horizontal curve between deKoven Drive and Rapallo Avenue will be addressed and improved.
The present schedule indicates that the design will be completed in November 2026, with construction anticipated to start in the spring of 2027, assuming acceptance of the project, availability of funding and receipt of any required right-of-way and environmental permits. This project will be undertaken with 80% federal and 20% state funds.
It is CTDOT's policy to keep the public informed and involved when such projects are undertaken. It is important that the community share its concerns with CTDOT to assist in the project's development. If anyone has any questions or comments on this project, contact Scott Bushee, Principal Engineer, at (860) 594-2079 or by e-mail at Scott.Bushee@ct.gov. Please make reference to State Project No. PP082-0022.