CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NEWS RELEASE
2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546
NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456
FOR RELEASE: May 11, 2012
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 Improvements at the Intersection of I-84 eastbound Exit 63 On/Off-ramps with Route 30 and Route 83 in Manchester
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a Public Informational Meeting concerning the proposed improvements at the intersection of    I-84 eastbound Exit 63 On/Off-ramps with Route 30 and Route 83, on Thursday,     May 17, 2012 at the Lincoln Center Building, Manchester Town Hall, 41 Center Street, Manchester, 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 project is identified as State Project No. 076-193.
The project involves a full realignment and reconstruction of the off-ramp to provide better curvature.  This includes minor alignment changes to the on-ramp and widening the off-ramp from two to four lanes to provide a second left-turn lane and an increased storage length for the existing exclusive right-turn lane.  The new off-ramp alignment will require the replacement of the existing bridge and will improve storage capacity and sightlines. The bridge will require environmental permits and special equipment for construction.
The eastbound approach of Route 30, at the intersection with Route 83, will be widened to five lanes adding an exclusive right-turn lane.  This will require modifications to Bridge No. 05238 over the Hockanum River. The sidewalk along the north side of Route 30 will be removed to provide for the widening.  This sidewalk does not connect to other sidewalks and its removal is not expected to have adverse effects to pedestrian activity.  The Town of Manchester is in concurrence with removing this section of sidewalk.
The northbound approach of Route 83 will be widened by one lane. The widening is proposed on the east side, which would avoid any impacts to utility poles and provide proper alignment with the on-ramp. However, widening on the east side will impact wetlands and will require a sliver acquisition of additional right-of-way.
On the westbound approach of Route 30, the entire leg will be shifted slightly to the north to align with the new lane arrangement on the eastbound approach. This will require minor widening along the north side of Route 30. Minor drainage adjustments will be provided to accommodate the proposed edge of road.
Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2014 based on the availability of funding. The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $10.3 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 100% 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. 
The meeting facility is ADA accessible.  Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department of Transportation's Office of Communications (Voice only) at (860) 594-3062 at least five working days prior to the meeting.  Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public, and efforts will be made to respond to requests for assistance.  
Plans of the proposed project will be on display for public review. Department 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. Timothy M. Wilson at (860) 594-3189 or by e-mail at Timothy.Wilson@ct.gov.  Plans are also available for review at the Manchester Town Hall.