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

FOR RELEASE: December 26, 2018

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) will conduct a public information meeting concerning the proposed construction of a modern roundabout at Route 1 and Route 22, on Thursday, January 10, 2019, at the Guilford Fire Department Headquarters at 390 Church Street, Guilford, Connecticut.  A design presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m.

The project is identified as State Project No. 0059-0164.

The purpose of the project is to improve safety and alleviate peak hour congestion on Route 22, at the intersection of U.S. Route 1, by installing a modern roundabout. Increased safety performance is expected due to the operational characteristics of a roundabout, eliminating the occurrence of right angle crashes that are predominant at this intersection.

The proposed project will construct a modern 3-legged roundabout to replace the T-intersection, remove the existing spur connection, reconfigure access to a business, and reconfigure access to a residential driveway. The approach roadways will be modified to introduce moderate curvature for the deflection of vehicles to reduce their speed as they approach the roundabout. Raised splitter islands and a raised center island with a truck apron will be installed to channelize traffic and direct vehicles through the new configuration. Pedestrian improvements, including sidewalks, crosswalks, and splitter island refuge areas will be included.

There are right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements. A portion of the sidewalk, the storm drainage outlet, and sloping of the roadside for the support of the highway fall outside the existing State right-of-way. Additionally, temporary construction easements and rights to reconstruct driveways are anticipated as being needed to carry out the construction.

Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2020 based on the availability of funding. The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $3.3 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with eighty percent (80%) federal funds and twenty percent (20%) state funds.

This 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 this proposed project.

The meeting facility is ADA accessible. Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department’s Language Assistance Call Line at (860) 594-2109.  Requests should be made at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting. Persons having a hearing and/or speech disability may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) and instruct the operator to contact
(860) 594-2243. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.

If postponement of this public informational meeting is required due to inclement weather or other conditions, it will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at the original hour and location.

Plans of the proposed project will be on display for public review.  Department personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss this 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. 

Any concerns or discussion of this project can be addressed to Mr. Matthew R. Vail at (860) 594-3274 or by e-mail at Matthew.Vail@ct.gov.  Plans are also available for review at the Guilford, Branford, and North Branford Town Halls two weeks prior to the meeting.