Rehabilitation of the Dutch Point Viaduct

Construction Update: Lookahead for the weeks of July 6 and July 13

Read the full Construction Update

LONG-TERM LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR REMAINS IN EFFECT:
The long-term closure of one of the three lanes of I-91 SB through the work zone will remain for the duration of the project. The project is being constructed in three stages. Stage 1 construction began on March 11, 2025, and is now complete. Stage 2 construction is anticipated to begin Thursday, July 9, 2026 (weather-dependent) and will close the center lane of I-91 SB and split the remaining two lanes of traffic onto either side of the work area. Stage 3 construction is scheduled to begin in September/October of 2026.

The Stage 2 traffic pattern includes a work zone in the center lane of I-91 SB beginning just after Exit 29A (Capitol Area) and continuing for approximately a quarter mile (1800 feet) south to the Colt Building. Motorists traveling on I-91 SB will be split into two lanes, one on either side of the center lane work zone (as depicted in the signage below). Advance warning signage will be in place to assist motorists through the work zone. The Stage 2 traffic pattern will be in place for approximately 3 to 4 months.

Advance warning signage of upcoming traffic split

The State Street on-ramp to I-91 SB located at the Founders Bridge will remain closed for the duration of the project to facilitate the temporary traffic patterns on I-91 SB throughout staged construction. Detours are posted to direct motorists seeking I-91 SB to use either the South Morgan Street on-ramp to I-91 SB at Columbus Boulevard or the Sheldon Street on-ramp to the Whitehead Highway at Columbus Boulevard, where they can access I-91 SB.

Motorists on I-84 EB seeking I-91 SB are required to merge with I-91 SB traffic due to the temporary traffic patterns on I-91 SB during staged construction. I-84 EB motorists entering I-91 SB traffic previously had a dedicated lane.

Temporary nighttime lane closures are also expected to continue on I-91 SB during the project from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am.

Temporary daytime lane closures are also expected on the Whitehead Highway ramps to and from I-91 NB during the project from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Traffic control signing patterns, along with State Troopers during temporary lane and shoulder closures as needed, will guide motorists through the work zone.

Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.

Planned Construction Impacts:

Tuesday, July 7, and Wednesday, July 8, motorists should expect the following traffic impacts and closures:
I-91 SB traffic pattern changes to implement Stage 2 construction
I-91 SB between Exit 29A (Capitol Area) and the Colt Building
Left or right lane closure from 7 PM to 5 AM

Thursday, July 9, motorists should expect the following traffic impacts and closures:
I-91 SB traffic pattern changes to implement Stage 2 construction
o I-91 SB center lane closure beginning just after Exit 29A (Capitol Area) and continuing approximately a quarter mile (1800 feet) south to the Colt Building o I-91 SB traffic will be split into two through lanes, one on either side of the center lane work zone

Beginning on Sunday, July 12, and continuing weekly Sunday through Thursday nights, motorists should expect the following traffic impacts and closures: I-91 SB between Exit 29A (Capitol Area) and the Colt Building o Right lane closure from 7 PM to 5 AM

About the Project

The Dutch Point Viaduct is an 1,800 foot long elevated bridge structure carrying three lanes of Interstate 91 (I-91) southbound over the Connecticut Southern Railroad and the I-91 northbound ramps to and from Whitehead Highway in Hartford, CT. The purpose of this project is to upgrade the bridge’s structural elements to current design standards, which will improve its load carrying capacity and extend its service life. This project is located along I-91 southbound between the Connecticut Convention Center and the Colt Armory.

The project includes a new bridge deck with an upgraded drainage system, new parapets that meet the latest federal standards, and new standard highway lights. The project also includes the metallizing of bridge girder beam ends and steel strengthening repairs to bridge girders to increase load carrying capacity. Bridge bearings will be replaced or repaired. New micropiles and concrete encasement of steel pier bents will strengthen the substructure of the bridge and increase load carrying capacity.

Project Detour

Reconstruction of the bridge deck requires the closure of the State Street on-ramp to I-91 southbound for approximately 18 months. The closure and implementation of the detour began on March 11, 2025. Visit the Traffic Alerts and Detours page for more details.

Project Schedule

This project is being delivered using the Design-Build method. The design phase will continue concurrently with construction activities, which began in February 2025. Replacement of the bridge deck will continue through 2026. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2026.

Construction Open House

The Construction Open House for this project was held on January 13, 2025. Thank you to those who were able to attend. Use the following links to download materials from the open house: Exhibit Boards | Presentation | Fact Sheet (English) | Fact Sheet (Español). If you would like to receive project updates by e-mail, sign up for the Dutch Point Viaduct email updates.