Rehabilitation of the Dutch Point Viaduct

Construction Update: Lookahead for the weeks of December 15 and December 22

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. Stage 3 construction is scheduled to be completed in September 2026.

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.

The Stage 1 traffic pattern includes a work zone and reduced travel way width on the Whitehead Highway on-ramp to I-91 SB.

Motorists on I-84 EB seeking I-91 SB will be 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 provided.

Temporary nighttime lane closures are expected on I-91 SB during the project from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am.

Temporary daytime shoulder closures are expected on I-91 SB during the project from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Friday, December 19, motorists should expect the following traffic impacts and closures:
• Whitehead Highway EB on-ramp to I-91 NB
o Left lane closure from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Monday, December 22, motorists should expect the following traffic impacts and closures:
• Whitehead Highway EB on-ramp to I-91 NB
o Left lane closure from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Tuesday, December 23, motorists should expect the following traffic impacts and closures:
• Whitehead Highway EB on-ramp to I-91 NB
o Right lane closure from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM

In observation of the Christmas holiday, there is no work scheduled on behalf of the project from Thursday, December 25, through Sunday, December 28. Work will resume on Monday, December 29.

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, click here.