CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: June 1, 2012

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

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The Connecticut Department of Transportation's (Department) Office of Engineering is developing plans for improving the Department’s existing winter storm operations site on Sea Street, adjacent to the northbound entrance ramp of Exit 45 of I-95, in New Haven.

The purpose of this project is to construct an environmentally compliant salt storage building and associated site improvements at the existing facility.

It is the Department's policy to keep the public informed and involved when such projects are undertaken. It is important that the community share its concerns with us to assist in the projects development. If there is adequate interest, an informational meeting will be conducted. At this time, it is not anticipated that a formal public hearing will be necessary.

The project involves constructing a new salt storage building, which will be similar in appearance to the recently completed Milford (I-95 Exit 40) and New Canaan (CT. Rt. 15 Exit 37) projects. Sitework will include providing a paved loading/operations area, a personnel shelter, calcium chloride tank, landscaping, site illumination, and associated improvements. The existing maintenance garage will not be affected. Two small outbuildings will be demolished. The final plans will be available in September 2012. The project will be 100 percent state funded. This project has been coordinated with the adjacent I-95 improvements (Project No. 92-522).

This project is necessary because this site is a critical location for the Department’s winter storm operations. This site serves critical routes that carry heavy traffic loads, including I-95 from Milford through Branford, US Route 1, CT. Route 10, and the interchanges with I-91 and CT Route 34. It is imperative that the salt supply facility be brought up to date.

The present schedule indicates that final design plans will be available in September 2012. The project will be 100 percent state funded.

Anyone interested in receiving information on this project may do so by contacting Mr. Robert Messina, Project Manager, at (860) 594-3305 or by e-mail at Robert.messina@ct.gov. Please make reference to the New Haven Sea Street Salt Shed construction project.