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

FOR RELEASE: May 17, 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 (Department) will conduct a public informational meeting concerning the proposed modern roundabout at Route 190 and Route 319 on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at the Stafford Community Center, 3 Buckley Highway, Stafford Springs, Connecticut.  The presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m.

The project is identified as State Project Number 0134-0147.

The purpose of this project is to improve safety by normalizing the intersection geometry.  This will be accomplished by replacing the skewed three point “Y” intersection with a modern roundabout.  The existing intersection forms a triangle configuration with Route 319 intersecting Route 190 at a 30-degree angle.  This skewed intersection creates an abnormal driving environment leading to driver uncertainty and crashes.

Under the proposed design the skewed intersection will be converted to a modern roundabout.  The approach geometry will be modified to reduce the severe skew while gradually calming traffic as it approaches the roundabout.  Raised splitter islands will be constructed to channelize traffic and alert drivers of the upcoming roundabout.  The center island will be raised and landscaped to increase visibility from the approaches.  These improvements, along with new signing, are intended to gradually slow vehicles to the lower speeds of the circulating traffic, resulting in a safer intersection.

Construction of the modern roundabout is anticipated to begin in spring 2019.  The estimated construction cost for this project is $5 million and will be undertaken with eighty percent (80%) federal funding and twenty (20%) state funding.

The public information meeting is 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 the proposed projects.

The meeting facility is ADA accessible.  Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department’s Office of Communications (voice only) at (860) 594-3062 at least five (5) business 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 project will be on display for public review.  Department personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss the project.  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 project 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 Stafford Town Hall.