CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546
FOR RELEASE: January 30, 2008	FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:    OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS    TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062    Fax: (860) 594-3066    Web site:www.ct.gov/dot

Project #004-0128

F.A.P. N/A

Town of Avon, Connecticut

Route 44

Avon Mountain Truck Escape Ramp

Avon, CT - The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced today the contractor will start de-mobilizing temporary precast barrier curb from U.S. 44. These lanes will be open to traffic by the end of the work shift today.  Temporary closures will continue on an as needed basis for construction operations, but will be open at the end of the scheduled work shift daily.

These construction activities are part of a $2.8 million dollar contract that will be constructed by Bourgeois & Shaw, Inc. of Simsbury, Connecticut under the direction of the Department of Transportation, District 4 Construction Office. 

The project has had a very aggressive work schedule that includes construction of the entire truck escape ramp structure.  The structure includes construction of retaining walls, concrete barrier curb and a state of the art Dragnet Vehicle Arresting Barrier System.  This system includes a series of fiber arresting nets and cables that are attached to self contained energy absorbing units that are designed to safely stop a vehicle.  The ramp is still scheduled to be in full operation on or before February 29, 2008 with the entire project expected to be completed on or before April 30, 2008. 

Traffic Operations

Motorists can expect lane closures at all times, in either direction along this section of Route 44 until the contract completion date of April 30, 2008. 

At least one lane in either direction will be available at all times.    

Construction signs and Local Police will be utilized for traffic control.

Motorists are advised to reduce their speed accordingly through the work zone.