Public Informational Meeting Concerning Proposed Roadway Improvements on Route 73 Main Street betwee

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

NEWS RELEASE

2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546

NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: February 16, 2010

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062

FAX: (860) 594-3065

WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Public Informational Meeting Concerning Proposed Roadway Improvements on Route 73 (Main Street) between Candee Hill Road and Rockdale Avenue No. 2 in Oakville

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will conduct a Public Informational Meeting concerning the proposed roadway improvements on Route 73 (Main Street) between Candee Hill Road and Rockdale Avenue No. 2, on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at the Senior Center, 311 Falls Avenue, Oakville, Connecticut. An informal question and answer session will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a formal design presentation at 7:00 p.m.

The existing roadway footprint of Route 73 between Candee Hill Road and Rockdale Avenue No. 2 consists of multiple curves, with the sharpest curve located in the vicinity of the relatively wide driveway to Steele Brook Commons. There is an abandoned railroad abutment adjacent to the edge of pavement on eastbound Route 73 that restricts the sight line from Rockdale Avenue No. 2.

The project proposes to soften the curve in the vicinity of Steele Brook Commons and delineate the driveway entrance to this complex to address the accident patterns occurring on this section of Route 73. It is also proposed to remove the existing railroad abutment and reconfigure the embankment slope to improve the sight lines. Additional improvements include the re-striping of the pavement markings to provide a westbound bypass on Route 73 at its intersection with Candee Hill Road. The existing bituminous walk along westbound Route 73 in the vicinity of Rockdale Avenue No. 2 will be replaced with a concrete sidewalk.

The existing drainage systems within the project limits will be modified to accommodate the proposed roadway footprint. A new drainage system which will outlet into Steele Brook will be installed. The utility poles affected by the proposed improvements will be relocated. Acquisition of rights-of-way from several properties will be required to implement the proposed improvements.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2012, based on the availability of funding. The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $2.1 million and it is anticipated to be undertaken with 80% Federal and 20% State funds.

The Public Informational 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 project will be on display for public review. ConnDOT personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss this project. 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. Scott A. Hill at (860) 594-3272 or by e-mail at scott.hill@ct.gov. Plans are also available for review at the Watertown Department of Public works.