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

FOR RELEASE: July 21, 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 is announcing the extension of the existing closure and detour of Route 74 in Vernon until August 28, 2016.  The extended closure is necessary for ongoing construction activities associated with the replacement of Bridge 05588 over the Hockanum River.

The project involves the installation of a 42-foot long clear span bridge utilizing precast concrete deck units cast integral on precast abutments founded on steel piles. Curb to curb width will be 32 feet, which will consist of two 11-foot travel lanes and 5-foot shoulders on each side. A 5-foot wide sidewalk will be constructed on the south side of the bridge. This bridge is located west of the Stop & Shop Plaza on Route 74 and east of the roundabout at the intersection of Skinner Road and Pinney Street.

DOT Project No. 0146-0196, was awarded to NJR Construction LLC, of Torrington, Connecticut on December 14, 2015 at a cost of $ 1,982,181.00 and is scheduled to be completed in September 2016.

From Ellington heading east on Route 74 to Route 83, from the roundabout at the intersection of Skinner Road and Pinney Street, motorists will be directed to follow Pinney Street to Windermere Ave. to Lower Butcher Road and to West Road.

In Vernon heading west on Route 74, motorists will be directed to travel east on Route 83 to West Road to Lower Butcher Road and to Pinney Street back onto Route 74.  Local access will be maintained to Penfield Road in Ellington and Franklin Street in Vernon.