Current status
Finalizing Cultural Resource Evaluation
- This project requires a Cultural Resource Evaluation to satisfy the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). Effects considered under NEPA include cultural and historic. [40 C.F.R. § 1508.8] The term “cultural resources” covers a wider range of resources than “historic properties,” such as sacred sites, archaeological sites not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, and archaeological collections. It also includes any prehistoric or historic district, site, building structure, or object included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. [36 C.F.R. § 800.16.(l)(1)] Properties of religious and cultural significance to Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations may be determined to be eligible for inclusion in the National Register. [16 U.S.C. 470a(d)(6)(A)]
- Subsurface investigations have been completed, and no sensitive resources are anticipated to be affected by the proposed project. Above-ground structures are currently being evaluated to ensure there are no new structures eligible
Developing Permit Plans and Applications
The following permits are expected as part of this project:
- Individual Flood Management Permit
- Section 401 Water Quality Certification
- Inland Wetlands Permit – General
- USACE Section 404/ Section 10 Pre-Construction Notification
- CTDEEP Structures, Dredging, Fill, and Tidal Wetlands
- Stormwater Discharge Permit
These permits are required to ensure there are no adverse effects to the environment resulting from this project.
The CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection as well as the US Army Corps of Engineers require review times of up to 18 months to fully evaluate project impacts.
Coordination with these regulatory agencies has provided more clarity on the timeline of the project and has resulted in an extension of the design phase by approximately one year.
Next steps
NEPA Document Review and Approval by Federal Highway Administration
Upon completion of the Cultural Resource Evaluation, CTDOT will submit the completed NEPA documentation to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for review and approval to progress with final design activities.
In addition to the Cultural Resource Evaluation, FHWA will review the project’s potential impacts on the following resources and factors:
- Socioeconomic impacts
- Use of parks, recreation areas, wildlife refuges, and scenic roads
- Water resources
- Natural resources, including threatened and endangered species
- Sea level rise
- Air quality
- Noise levels
Given the size of the project, CTDOT anticipates a 6-month review of this documentation by FHWA.
Permit Application Submittal and Review
Permit applications are expected to be submitted to the regulatory agencies in May of 2026 with permits expected to be approved and issued in July of 2027.
Project Schedule
Design Completion Date
May 26, 2027
Project Advertising
June 23, 2027
Project Award
September 17, 2027
Notice to Proceed
November 1, 2027