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

FOR RELEASE: April 11, 2017

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 will host two open planning studios in April. These events will be held in Hartford and East Hartford on:

• Thursday, April 20th, 2017 from 4 to 8 PM at the Hartford Public Library, Downtown Branch, 500 Main Street, Hartford, and
• Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 from 4 to 8 PM at the Raymond Library, 840 Main Street, East Hartford

The open planning studios will include an open house, presentations, and public workshops in which the public can learn about the latest happenings of the I-84 Hartford Project and participate in the planning process for the I-84 / I-91 Interchange Study and the multimodal station area.  Both events will have the same format, and the public is invited to attend either event at any time. 

There will be two public workshops during each event: One for the I-84 / I-91 Interchange Study and one for the potential new multimodal station near Hartford’s Union Station The purpose of the I-84/I-91 study is to determine the feasibility of reconfiguring or relocating the interchange to improve mobility and reduce congestion. Alternatives could also affect I-91 and highways in East Hartford including I-84, Routes 2 and Routes5/15.  The study will broadly assess the benefits and impacts to residents, businesses, travelers, properties, neighborhoods, and the natural environment.  A new multimodal station will be included in the I-84 Hartford Project under the design alternative that relocates the railroad to allow the interstate to be brought down to ground or below ground level.  The new station would provide a unified connection for rail, bus, vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian use. At this stage in the process, the project team is reaching out to the public to receive input and ideas on how best to design a facility that will work for them.

Open planning studios are a way for local residents, commuters, business owners, and other interested parties to learn about and receive updates on the I-84 Hartford Project and its related work. They are an opportunity to interact with the project team’s engineers and planners, and to give input on possible solutions for I-84.  As the end users, it is imperative that the public have the opportunity to share their thoughts in the design development of I-84 and its related projects in Hartford.  Visit http://www.i84hartford.com/get-involved.html for event details. 

CTDOT is continuing to evaluate various highway design alternatives and options to reconfigure I-84 and its ramps in Hartford.  At this time, many aspects of the designs are coming together, and public input is critical to ensuring that the redesigned highway corridor benefits all. The purpose of the I-84 Hartford Project is to address structural deficiencies, as well as improve traffic operations, safety, and mobility on the I-84 mainline and its interchanges between Flatbush Avenue and I-91 in Hartford.   The I-84 Hartford Project strives to reduce the highway’s negative impact on the city, while creating efficient connections to other modes of transportation.

CTDOT is evaluating the I-84 Hartford Project corridor in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, the Capitol Region Council of Governments, the City of Hartford, the Town of East Hartford, the Town of West Hartford, as well as other local agencies and stakeholder groups.  A Public Advisory Committee, comprised of a wide range of stakeholders has been, and will continue to be, instrumental in guiding each of the alternatives.

The meeting facilities are 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.

Schedule of Events for Thursday, April 20th, 2017 and Tuesday, April 25th, 2017
4 – 8 PM: Open house
5:30 PM: Presentation
6:15 PM: I-84 / I-91 Interchange Study and multimodal station planning workshops