CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546
FOR RELEASE:December 3 , 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 Informational Meeting concerning the replacement of a culvert, which carries Route 17A (Main Street) over an unnamed water course in Portland between William Street and Bartlett Street.  The meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at the Portland Public Library located on 20 Freestone Avenue. Informal/Individual questions and answers with DOT Officials will begin at 6:30 p.m.  A formal presentation is at 7:00 p.m.  In the event of inclement weather, the meeting will be held January 7, 2009 (at the same time and location).

This project involves replacement of a deteriorating culvert system consisting of stone masonry box culverts on each side of the road, connected by a 42? asphalt coated corrugated metal pipe under the pavement.  The box culvert section on the west side of the roadway has deteriorated which has resulted in settlement to the sidewalk approximately 25 feet off the roadway.

The proposed project involves replacing the existing culvert system with a 5'x4' concrete box culvert. Main Street will be closed to traffic for one weekend during construction, at which time traffic will be diverted around the project site along a detour route utilizing Route 66 (Marlborough Street) and Route 17 (Gospel Lane).

Construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2010 and be completed in the fall of the same year. The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $1,000,000 and will be undertaken with Federal and State funds.  Minor impacts to private property are anticipated, consisting of drainage and temporary work easements to access the construction site.

The Public Informational 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 (860) 594-3272 or by e-mail at james.norman@po.state.ct.us.  Plans are also available for review at the Portland Town Hall Public Works Office.

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