Final Stage of Construction Begins On Arrigoni Bridge Route 66 over the Connecticut River in Portlan

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

NEWS RELEASE

2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546

NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: April 4, 2012

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062

FAX: (860) 594-3065

WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Final Stage of Construction Begins On Arrigoni Bridge (Route 66 over the Connecticut River in Portland and Middletown)

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that motorists can expect a change in the traffic pattern on the Arrigoni Bridge in Portland and Middletown on Wednesday night, April 11, 2012, weather permitting, as the final stage of construction begins.

The final stage (Stage 3) will close off the northern side of the bridge as well as the sidewalk, and traffic will be shifted to one lane in each direction on the portions of deck that have been completed. The east and westbound travel lanes will no longer be separated by barrier.

Motorists will continue to merge into a single lane approaching the bridge from either the Middletown or Portland sides (view Stage 3 traffic diagram by clicking here).

The current lane markers with red X’s and green arrows will be turned off prior to the stage change operation and will be reactivated once the stage change is completed. The contractor has already begun pre-shift activities to expedite work and facilitate timely completion of the shift overnight.

Motorists can expect alternating one way traffic to be in effect during the stage change. The stage change will begin at 8 p.m. on Wednesday and be completed by 6 a.m. on Thursday, April 12, 2012, in time for the morning commute.

Special Advisories

-Motorists: Expect delays during, and significant delays following the stage change as drivers adjust to the new traffic pattern. We strongly urge motorists to utilize alternate routes immediately following the stage change if possible.

-Pedestrian and Bicyclists: The sidewalk located on the north side of the bridge will be closed during stage 3. The new sidewalk on the south side will be re-opened to pedestrians and bicyclists.

DOT Project No. 0082-0299 was awarded to The Middlesex Corporation on April 26, 2011, at a cost of $16,946,864.00.

Any questions or comments related to the Arrigoni Bridge should be sent to DOT.Arrigoni@ct.gov.