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

FOR RELEASE: July 2, 2018

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 that milling and paving associated with the ongoing safety improvement project on Route 85 in Salem will begin July 12, 2018. The termini for this work are from Shady Brook Picnic Area to Skyline Drive.

The purpose of the project is to improve overall safety and operation of Route 85.  Route 85 was widened on both sides of the road in order to provide 12-foot lanes and 5-foot shoulders.  The widening improved sightlines at both Route 85 and at Skyline Drive.  Additional drainage was installed to alleviate issues with flooding and ponding of water along the roadway shoulders.  Also, the improvements included widening the roadway in front of commercial businesses within the project limits to accommodate a 12-foot lane with an 8-foot shoulder.  The 8-foot shoulder provides left-turn bypass capability at the commercial entrances. 

The contract was awarded to R.E.D. Technologies, LLC of Bloomfield, Connecticut at a cost of $1,194,595.95 on February 22, 2017 and is scheduled to be completed in July 2018.  

The milling and paving work will be completed at night between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.  Traffic will be maintained utilizing alternating one-way traffic during these allowable time frames. 

Motorists are urged to obey the posted speed limit and to use caution through this and all other construction work zones.