The Connecticut Department of Transportation will conduct a Public Information Meeting concerning the proposed rehabilitation of Bridge Nos. 01496 & 01561 in the Towns of Barkhamsted and New Hartford on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at the Senior Center in the New Hartford Town Hall.  An informal question and answer session will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a formal design presentation at 7:00 p.m.

Bridge No. 01496, located on Route 181 in Barkhamsted, is a single span steel truss bridge and the rehabilitation work involves localized structural steel repairs, upgrading approach guiderailings, and abrasive blast cleaning and field painting of the entire structure.  The painting and blast cleaning will be done within a temporary containment structure to collect the blast debris and to prevent contamination of the river and the surrounding areas.  Construction for this bridge is anticipated to begin in spring 2010, based on the availability of funding and will be completed before July 4, 2010.  The estimated cost for this project is approximately $ 2,500,000 and is anticipated to be undertaken with Federal and State Funds.  The bridge will remain open to traffic during construction.  A parking lot owned by MDC located at the southeast corner of the bridge will be utilized as a temporary work area for the Contractor to place his equipment as necessary throughout the construction phase (approximately 3½ months).  The parking lot will  be shared with the fisherman seeking access to the Farmington River.

Bridge No. 01561, located on Route 219 in New Hartford, is also a single span steel truss bridge and the rehabilitation work also involves localized structural steel repairs, upgrading approach guiderails, and  abrasive blast cleaning and field painting of the entire structure.  The painting will also be done within a temporary containment structure to collect the blast debris and to prevent contamination of the river and the surrounding areas.  Construction for this bridge is anticipated to begin after July 4, 2010, based on the availability of funding.  The estimated cost for this project is approximately $1,000,000 and is anticipated to be undertaken with Federal and State Funds.  A temporary detour will be in effect during the entire construction phase for this bridge.  All proposed work will be performed within the existing State right of way.

           The Public Information Meeting is being held to afford a full opportunity for public participation and to allow open discussion of any views and comments the community may have concerning this proposed project.

Plans of the proposed projects will be on display for public review.  ConnDOT personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss the projects.  More detailed information is available at the Department’s Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Connecticut, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.  Anyone wishing to discuss the project may contact Mr. James H. Norman at(860) 594-3272 or by e-mail at james.norman@po.state.ct.us.