CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546
FOR RELEASE:November 21 , 2008	FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:    OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS    TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062    Fax: (860) 594-3066    Web site:www.ct.gov/dot

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will conduct a Public Information Meeting concerning the replacement of a culvert, which carries Route 68/70 (Main Street) over the Farmington Canal in Cheshire, on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at the Cheshire Town Hall in the 3^rd floor Council Chambers.  An informal question and answer session will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a formal design presentation at 7:00 p.m.

The existing stone culvert was built in the 1900’s and is approximately 3' x 5' in dimension.  It is located adjacent to an abandoned rail line, approximately 200 feet west of Willow Street.  The culvert is deteriorating and has been periodically repaired by DOT Maintenance.

The proposed project consists of replacing the existing stone culvert, which is in poor condition, with two concrete box culverts.  Traffic will be maintained on Route 68/70 (Main Street) during most of the construction period. However, it is proposed that this section of Main Street will be closed to traffic for one weekend, with traffic diverted around the project site along a detour route utilizing Willow Street, Cornwall Ave, and Mountain Road.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2011 and be completed in the fall of the same year.  The estimated cost for this project is approximately $ 1.3 million and will be undertaken with Federal and State funds.  Minor impacts to private property are anticipated and could consist of drainage and temporary work easements to access the construction site.

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 this proposed project.

Plans of the proposed project will be on display for public review.  ConnDOT 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.  Anyone wishing to discuss the project may contact Mr. James H. Norman at (860) 594-3272 or by e-mail at james.norman@po.state.ct.us.  Plans are also available for review at the Cheshire Town Hall in the Planning Department.

Any persons interested in this project are welcome to attend this meeting and discuss the project.