CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: June 12, 2009

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 will conduct a Public Information Meeting concerning a proposed modern roundabout at Routes 82 and 85 in the Town of Salem. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at the Gardner Lake Firehouse, 429 Old Colchester Road, (Route 354), Salem.  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 project is identified as State Project No. 120-86.

Located at the intersection of Routes 82 and 85 in the town of Salem, known locally as Salem Four Corners, this intersection was part of a larger effort to address safety and capacity at several locations on Route 85 in Salem and Montville, but it has been separated from the other corridor improvements to expedite the needed safety improvements.

The project would involve the removal of the existing traffic signal at this location and reconfiguration of the intersection to create a modern roundabout. This improvement is expected to significantly reduce the number of head-on turning accidents at both the intersection and at the driveway to the gas station on Route 85 immediately south of Route 82. The roundabout concept was developed for this location with the full support of town officials.

If the decision is made to proceed with the project, construction would be anticipated to begin in the spring of 2012, and be completed within the next year. The estimated construction cost of the project is approximately $3 million, and is expected to be undertaken with 100% Federal funding. The project would require the total acquisition of the property and the removal of all buildings (currently vacant) on the northwest corner, and a partial acquisition on the southwest corner and the removal of one building on that corner. Other minor property acquisitions and/or easements are also expected.

The Public Information Meeting is being held to afford a full opportunity for public participation and to allow an 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 the project and answer any questions. 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. In addition, a plan is available at the Town Hall for review. Anyone wishing to discuss this project may contact Mr. James H. Norman at (860) 594-3272 or by e-mail at james.norman@ct.gov. Please refer to state Project No. 120-86.

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

All persons interested in this matter are welcome to attend the public information meeting.