The GHMP presents a transformative vision for the Hartford region as a result of a multi-year collaborative planning effort, called the Greater Hartford Mobility Study (GHMS). The GHMP is the resulting program of recommended projects developed during the GHMS. The GHMS used a community-driven process to identify projects that could improve how people and goods move through the region. The GHMP was developed with a range of travel needs in mind, including biking, walking, transit, train, driving, and trucking. This outlook is reflected in one vision and plan to serve mobility needs across Greater Hartford. The Route 2 Extension to I-91 is one of several independent, mid-term projects that emerged from the findings of the GHMS. Learn more on the GHMP website. 

The Greater Hartford Mobility Study (GHMS) was a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study—a regional effort to evaluate how best to move people and goods across transportation modes in the region. It prioritized improvements that aligned with regional goals to put forth one vision and plan to serve mobility needs across Greater Hartford. While the study screened a range of alternatives and provided preliminary recommendations, its analysis was only conceptual.

A PEL study, like the GHMS, offers a big-picture view of needs and potential impacts, builds early consensus among stakeholders, and helps set priorities. However, it does not replace the detailed environmental reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) or Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). 

For the Route 2 Extension to I-91, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under NEPA and an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) under CEPA are required since the proposed project includes a new highway alignment and river crossing. These detailed documents assess impacts to air quality, noise, wetlands, and endangered species, among others. Not only do these documents comply with federal and state regulations; they provide guidance on the design and construction of the project. 

An EIS is a document that explains the potential effects of a major project on the human and natural environments, along with how those effects would be managed. It typically includes:

• What the project is and why it’s needed – a description of the proposed action and the project’s purpose and need

• Existing conditions – an overview of the environment that could be affected

• Alternatives – reasonable ways the project could be carried out, including doing nothing

• Potential impacts – how the project might affect air quality, water, wildlife, communities, or other environmental resources

• Ways to reduce impacts – steps to avoid, minimize, or mitigate those potential impacts

• Public and agency involvement – details the outreach efforts with regulatory agencies and the public

• Supporting details – technical studies, data, and other information referenced in the main document

The goal is to provide enough information for informed decisions and so environmental considerations are part of the planning process.

Guided by CEPA, an EIE is a document that explains the potential effects of a major project on the human and natural environments, along with how those effects would be managed. It typically includes:

• What the project is and why it’s needed – a description of the proposed action and the project’s purpose and need

• Existing conditions – an overview of the environment that could be affected

• Alternatives – reasonable ways the project could be carried out, including doing nothing

• Potential impacts – how the project might affect air quality, water, wildlife, communities, or other environmental resources

• Ways to reduce impacts – steps to avoid, minimize, or mitigate those potential impacts

• Public and agency involvement – details the outreach efforts with regulatory agencies and the public

• Supporting details – technical studies, data, and other information referenced in the main document 

The goal is to provide enough information for informed decisions and so environmental considerations are part of the planning process.

The Route 2 Extension to I-91 project is a multi-year project with several key phases and milestones. 

1. Pre-Notice of Intent (Early Planning and Concept Development): Now

The project team is currently gathering data, conducting environmental surveys, developing concepts, and working with the community and regulatory agencies to shape the project’s direction. This will lay the groundwork for initiating the federal and state environmental review processes, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA).

This phase helps define “what is the problem?” and “how do we solve this problem?” We call this phase the Pre-Notice of Intent (NOI) phase because it happens prior to the issuance of the NOI/Notice which formally kick off NEPA/CEPA.

2. Formal Environmental Review (NEPA/CEPA): Anticipated 2027 to 2029

During this approximate two-year phase, the project team will conduct preliminary engineering, evaluate potential impacts, consider alternative(s), and continue engaging with the public and regulatory agencies.

Key milestones include a public scoping meeting, publishing of a Draft EIS, public hearing, and ends with a Final EIS and Record of Decision.

3. Design, ROW and Permitting: Anticipated 2030 to 2033

The phase includes development of engineering details and construction documents, Right of Way acquisitions and obtaining permit approvals.

4. Construction: Anticipated start 2033 or 2034

Once design, ROW acquisitions and permitting are complete and funding is secured, construction can begin.

The Greater Hartford Mobility Study identified the need for a Route 2 extension that would provide a direct connection across the Connecticut River north of the Bulkley Bridge, which carries I-84. As part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) process, CTDOT will evaluate multiple bridge crossings to find the alternative that best meets transportation needs while minimizing impacts to people and the environment. A “no-build” option, which evaluates impacts if no changes are made, will also be considered.
 
At this stage of project development, an exact location and type of bridge has not been determined. Several types of bridges will be analyzed with the chosen bridge selected to meet the needs of the project.

Yes. Currently, the project team is refining the project’s purpose and need (why the project is being proposed and what it aims to achieve) and beginning to identify concepts that address the need. Multimodal considerations, such as pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, will be part of what the project team evaluates during this process. While specific solutions have not yet been determined, multimodal elements will be considered.

Public involvement is a critical component of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). Your input helps identify potential impacts, shape alternatives, and promote decisions that reflect community priorities. Here are the ways you can participate:

• Sign Up to Receive Alerts: Sign up to receive project updates to learn more about upcoming ways to engage here.

• We’ll Come to You: We’ll use multiple outreach tactics—such as pop-up events, neighborhood meetings, and targeted engagement in areas most affected by the project—to make participation accessible. Invite us to speak to your neighborhood or community group or request an informational booth at your community event by emailing us.

• Provide Input: As part of the EIS and EIE processes, there will be formal comment periods. During these comment periods we will host public meetings, community workshops, and a formal hearing at key milestones where your input is most beneficial to decision making. However, you can submit feedback anytime on the project website, by email, by mail (CDM Smith, 101 East River Drive, Suite 1A, East Hartford, CT 06108), by phone (860) 594-3293.

• Stay Connected Online: Project updates, meeting notices, and draft documents will be posted on this website.