Public Information Meeting Concerning the Replacement of Bridge 00368 Route 1 over the Niantic River

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

NEWS RELEASE

2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546

NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: October 27, 2011

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062

FAX: (860) 594-3065

WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Public Information Meeting Concerning the Replacement of Bridge 00368, Route 1 over the Niantic River in East Lyme/Waterford

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a Public Information Meeting concerning the replacement of Bridge No. 00368, Route 1 over Niantic River on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the East Lyme Town Hall, 108 Pennsylvania Avenue in Niantic. Inclement weather date will be December 21, 2011.

Project No. 44-147 consists of replacing the existing bridge, which is a single span structure comprised of a reinforced concrete deck supported by reinforced concrete tee beams and a widened portion of deck supported by steel beams, supported by masonry abutments. The existing clear span is 58 feet and the curb-to-curb width is 31.7 feet. The bridge is in need of replacement due to the poor overall condition of the bridge. This bridge is proposed to be replaced with a single span structure made up of a reinforced concrete deck on steel girders, supported by concrete abutments on piles. The clear span will be lengthened to 77 feet, and the curb-to-curb width will be widened to 39 feet. The new structure will carry one lane of traffic in each direction as the existing structure does now but with wider shoulders. The construction will be performed utilizing three stages of construction while maintaining two lanes of traffic at all times.

Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2015 assuming acceptance of the project, availability of funding, and receipt of any required right-of-way and environmental permits. The estimated cost of this project is approximately $4.5 million and is anticipated to be funded with Federal and State funds.

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 project will be on display for public review. ConnDOT personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss these 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. Scott A. Hill, Manager of Bridges and Facilities, at (860) 594-3272 or by e-mail at scott.hill@ct.gov. Plans are also available for review at the Town Hall.