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

FOR RELEASE: January 28, 2009

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 will conduct a Public Information Meeting (as part of the Town Council Meeting) concerning proposed improvements on Route 44 at Birch Road and Cedar Swamp Road, on Monday, February 9, 2009 at the Mansfield Town Hall in the Council Chambers. An informal question and answer session will begin at 7:00 p.m., followed by a formal design presentation at 7:30 p.m.

US Route 44 is classified as an urban principal arterial that serves as a major thoroughfare through the Town’s center.  The road primarily consists of one travel lane in each direction with no bypass capability at the intersection of Birch Road and Cedar Swamp Road. The existing lane configuration consists of 12' travel lane with varying shoulder width between 3' and 4'.  Birch Road and Cedar Swamp Road intersect Route 44 approximately 100' apart to form an offset configuration. Birch Road also intersects US Route 44 at an acute angle (less than 60 degrees) that creates difficulties for eastbound right-turning vehicles onto Birch Road.  The combination of the offset intersection configuration and lack of bypass capability has resulted in certain accident patterns over time.

The proposed project improvements include widening the shoulders on Route 44 at its intersection with Birch and Cedar Swamp Roads to 8’ to provide bypass capability and reduce the potential for rear-end and turning type accidents. Along with the widening, Birch Road is proposed to be slightly realigned to provide the proper turning movements and also increase the distance from the intersection of Cedar Swamp Road.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the 2011 construction season. The estimated cost for this project is approximately $1 million and will be undertaken with Federal funds.  One partial acquisition of residential property is anticipated.

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@ct.gov.  Plans are also available for review at the Town Clerk’s Office in the Mansfield Town Hall.

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