CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT 06131-7546
FOR RELEASE: Upon Receipt	FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 Fax: (860) 594-3066 HOME-PAGE:www.ct.gov/dot

I-84 / ROUTE 8 WATERBURY INTERCHANGE NEEDS STUDY (WINS) PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING SCHEDULED

NEWINGTON, Conn. – State Transportation Commissioner Ralph J. Carpenter is pleased to announce that a Public Informational meeting for the I-84/Route 8 Waterbury Interchange Needs Study (WINS) will be held on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at the Waterbury Arts Magnet School (Performing Arts Theater), located at 16 South Elm Street, Waterbury CT (parking is available at the Scovill Street garage).  This study is being carried out by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Council of Governments of the Central Naugatuck Valley (COGCNV).  The study is analyzing operational and safety concerns along I-84, from interchanges 18 to 23, and along Route 8, from interchanges 30 to 35 in Waterbury.   Preliminary roadway, transit and systems management improvement alternatives are being developed to address current and future transportation needs in this study area.

The Public Informational Meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. with an informal open house. A brief presentation of the study findings and alternatives developed to date will begin at 7:00 p.m., followed again by an interactive informal session until 9:00 p.m.

The Department and the consulting firm of Wilbur Smith & Associates will present information describing the alternatives being considered.  This information has been published in a Technical White Paper, which is available for review and comment on the study web site at www.i84wins.com, at the Silas Bronson Library and in the City Planning Office.  Graphics illustrating the alternatives will also be available for public viewing at the June 26th Public Information Meeting. 

Commissioner Carpenter emphasized that “residents, business owners, commuters and other interested stakeholders are welcome and encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to discuss their concerns and assist the Department in developing the improvement plan for this complex interchange.  Stakeholders can visit the web site to view the study information and available reports, and participate in this very important effort.” 

Deaf and hearing impaired persons wishing to attend this meeting and requiring an interpreter can make arrangements by contacting the Department of Transportation’s Office of Communications at (860) 594-3062 at least five working days prior to the meeting.