(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto today announced that $10 million in state funding is being awarded to eight rural communities in Connecticut through the Transportation Rural Improvement Program (TRIP), a state grant program administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation that is designed to support the state’s rural communities, which are often ineligible for many federal transportation programs.
“Connecticut’s rural communities are often shut out of many federal programs because of their size or density, and the state’s TRIP program fixes that problem,” Governor Lamont said. “Our smaller towns are one of the many things that make Connecticut such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. More importantly, these state grants will not only strengthen transportation but help to ensure our communities remain safe and connected for future generations.”
“This program helps rural communities deliver important safety improvement projects that may otherwise have been shelved due to a lack of funding,” Commissioner Eucalitto said. “No matter the population size, Connecticut’s municipalities deserve to have access to funding and programs that can improve safety and mobility.”
The eight selected projects include:
- Barkhamsted – Roadway Improvements on West River Road ($1,077,856): This project includes repaving and infrastructure enhancement of West River Road, a 4.04-mile scenic road running along the West Branch of the Farmington River. The road is a vital corridor through the American Legion State Forest and passes the Austin Hawes State Campground connecting the Pleasant Valley section of town to the historic Village of Riverton.
- Bethlehem – Roadway Improvements on Flanders Road ($2,000,000): This project includes paving, drainage, and safety improvements for the 1.6- mile Flanders Road. This roadway provides connectivity between Route 6 in Woodbury and Route 61 in Bethlehem, linking the two town centers.
- Bolton – Replacement of Lyman Road Bridge ($1,413,238): This project includes replacing the existing twin 6’ diameter asphalt coated corrugated metal pipe culverts with an 18’ clear span by 6’ rise precast concrete box culvert. The roadway connects several neighborhoods to neighboring towns, access to Gay City State Park, shopping and entertainment for a significant area of Bolton.
- Burlington – Roadway Improvements on West Chippen Road ($1,545,500): The project includes full-depth reconstruction of the roadway and drainage improvements, which will make conditions safer for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. In the vicinity of the project area are the Session Woods Wildlife Management Area and the Tunxis Trail hiking area. Additionally, the roadway provides an alternate travel route from Bristol to Burlington.
- Columbia – Thompson Hill Road Bridge over Clark Brook ($1,479,899): The project includes replacing the 5’ diameter precast concrete culvert with a three sided, 18’ clear span concrete frame that will address frequent flooding and road damage caused by inadequate drainage. The new culvert will improve water flow, reduce the risk of flooding, and enhance the durability and safety of the roadway. Thompson Hill Road serves as a critical connector between two major state routes, Route 6 and Route 66, ensuring efficient transportation for residents, commuters, and businesses.
- Goshen – West Hyerdale Drive Bridge Rehabilitation over the Marshapaug River ($1,500,000): The project includes lining four existing corrugated metal pipe culverts, extending the life of the bridge for an estimated 75 years. The roadway connects neighborhoods together and provides the shortest route for both emergency vehicles and the public to access to the town center.
- Litchfield: Roadway Improvements on Campville Road ($968,000): The project includes full-depth reconstruction of the roadway and drainage improvements, which will make conditions safer for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. This roadway is a link between Route 8 and Route 254 and provides access from Route 8 to facilities such as Humaston Brook State Park, Northfield Brook Lake Park, and Topsmead State Forest.
- Marlborough – Sidewalk Extension on Lake Road ($341,179): This project will construct more than 300 feet of sidewalk and a crosswalk on Lake Road, as well as provide upgrades to existing crossing technology on North Main Street. Construction of this segment of the sidewalk completes the interconnection between Blish Park and the Elmer Thienes/Mary Hall Elementary School passing through the town center.
The TRIP program was established in 2022 and is fully supported by state funding. The first round of awards was announced in January 2024, with $9 million in grants issued. Future TRIP grant opportunities will be announced later this year, pending funding availability.
For more information on the program, visit portal.ct.gov/dot/programs/trip.