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

FOR RELEASE: January 8, 2016

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 (Department) is holding public information meetings for the proposed safety improvements, resurfacing, enhancements and bridge improvements on the Merritt Parkway (Route 15) in Westport and Fairfield. The first meeting will be in  Westport on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at the Westport Town Hall Auditorium, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport. A second meeting will take place in Fairfield on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at the North Stratfield Elementary School, 190 Putting Green Road, Fairfield. Formal design presentations will be provided at 7:00 p.m.

The projects are identified as State Project Nos. 158-0211 and 158-0207.

State Project No. 158-0211 involves the resurfacing of Route 15 in both directions as well as various safety improvements from Newtown Turnpike in Westport to approximately 130-feet south of Congress Street in Fairfield for a total length of 4.95 miles.  This project abuts the completed Project Nos. 050-0204 and 144-0180 in Fairfield and Trumbull.

All proposed work will conform to the “Merritt Parkway Guidelines for General Maintenance and Transportation Improvements” recommendations prepared by The Merritt Parkway Working Group in June 1994.  This project also involves the rehabilitation and restoration of historic bridge structures in accordance with the “Merritt Parkway Bridge Restoration Guide” dated May 2002.  In addition, the project involves the rehabilitation of the existing landscaping by returning it to its original park-like setting in accordance with the "Merritt Parkway Landscape Master Plan" dated October 1994.

The existing guiderail will be replaced with Merritt Parkway Guiderail (a steel-backed timber railing). The existing rock ledges close to the roadway will be evaluated, and if warranted, will be cut back or shielded with either the Merritt Parkway guiderail or concrete barrier.  A single unit concrete curb and gutter system will also be installed along the grass median.

Numerous bridges located within the project limits will require minor cosmetic work (various parapet work, graffiti removal, surface and crack repairs to concrete, fencing, overlay, etc).  Some bridges will require major work (removing the material on top of the bridge to expose the concrete arch or frame; repair any deteriorated sections; apply a waterproofing membrane; re-establish the roadway to its original profile; perform any necessary underside repairs; clean the bridge, etc.)

Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2017 and the estimated construction cost is approximately $60 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 80% federal funds and 20% state funds.

State Project No. 158-0207 involves rehabilitation of Bridge No. 00728 carrying the Merritt Parkway over the Saugatuck River.  This rehabilitation work includes historic concrete repairs; cleaning, repairing, and painting structural steel with a historically matched paint color; reconstruction of the historic bridge parapets; partial and full depth deck patching; application of a waterproofing membrane; and replacement of concrete headers and expansion joints.  Other safety and roadway improvements will be included under Project No. 158-0211.

Construction of Project No. 158-0207 is anticipated to begin in spring 2017 and the estimated construction cost is approximately $12 million.  This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 100% State funds.

The Public Informational Meetings are 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 these proposed projects.

The meeting facilities are ADA accessible. Deaf and hearing impaired persons wishing to attend these meetings and requiring an interpreter must make arrangements 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 projects will be on display for public review.  Department personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss these projects.  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 projects may contact Mr. William W. Britnell at (860) 594-3274 or by e-mail at William.Britnell@ct.gov.  Plans are also available for review at the Westport and Fairfield Town Halls. In the event either meeting is cancelled due to inclement weather it would be rescheduled for January 28, 2016 and February 10, 2016 respectively, same time and location.