CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: June 25, 2014

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

         The Connecticut Department of Transportation today put a contract out to bid for the I-84 widening project between Exits 23 and 25A in Waterbury. The project will add a third lane in each direction in the 2.7-mile section of the interstate highway – an area that has been a particular bottleneck for years during rush hour.

         “This project will decrease traffic congestion, improve traffic operations and improve safety,” said DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker. “We expect to award a construction contract this fall and have the work begin in the spring of 2015. This segment of I-84, constructed in the 1960s, was designed to handle approximately 34,000 vehicles per day but currently handles more than 105,000 vehicles daily.”

         Construction costs are expected to be around $400 million, although the final amount will be determined by the bids received. The project should be completed by 2019.

         The reconstructed I-84 will have a 12-foot wide right shoulder, three 12-foot wide travel lanes and a 12-foot wide left shoulder in each direction of travel, separated by a 10 foot wide concrete barrier section. Additionally, a 12-foot auxiliary lane will be provided on I-84 westbound between the on-ramp from Harpers Ferry Road and the off-ramp to Hamilton Avenue.

Additional project details

         The proposed reconstruction includes realigning approximately one mile of I-84 in the vicinity of Harpers Ferry Road to eliminate the sharp reverse-curve alignment. Approximately 2,000 feet of Reidville Drive will be relocated to accommodate this realignment. On the north side of I-84, a new frontage road, referred to as Plank Road East, will be constructed parallel to I-84 between Scott Road and Harpers Ferry Road. Roadway improvements are proposed for Hamilton Avenue, Harpers Ferry Road, Scott Road, Reidville Drive, Plank Road, Plank Road East and East Main Street.

         All existing traffic signals will be replaced with new equipment. Proposed structure work includes the construction of nine highway bridges, one pedestrian bridge, 20 retaining walls and six box culverts. The existing pedestrian underpass providing access to Hamilton Park from Hamilton Avenue on the south side of I-84 will be eliminated. Pedestrian access will be maintained along the east bank of the Mad River under the new bridge carrying I-84 over the river. Additionally, the existing pedestrian bridge over the Mad River will be replaced by a new pedestrian bridge, located approximately 95 feet upstream.