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

FOR RELEASE: April 25, 2016

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 to replace metal beam guiderail with concrete barrier along I-84 eastbound in the town of West Hartford.

The purpose of the project is to improve vehicular safety on a curved section of I-84 eastbound over the Trout Brook Drive exit 42 off-ramp.  Records show that multiple tractor trailers traveling along this curved section of I-84 have left the roadway prior to the bridge carrying I-84 over the exit 42 off-ramp, and impacted the ramp below.  The proposed project will replace the existing metal beam guiderail with concrete barrier along the outside of the curved section of road to better prevent vehicular departures from the roadway.

The present schedule indicates that the design will be completed in September 2016, with construction anticipated to start in spring  2017, assuming acceptance of the project, availability of funding, and receipt of any required right-of-way and environmental permits.  This project will be undertaken with ninety percent (90%) federal funds and ten percent (10%) state funds.

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 the Department to assist in the project’s development.  It is not anticipated that an informational meeting or a formal public hearing will be held for this project due to the limited nature of the proposed work.

Anyone interested in receiving information on this project may do so by contacting William W. Britnell, Principal Engineer, at (860) 594-3274 or by e-mail at William.Britnell@ct.gov.  Please make reference to State Project No. 0155-0172.