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

FOR RELEASE: October 23, 2012

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

GOV MALLOY: HISTORIC ARRIGONI BRIDGE FULLY OPEN AFTER CONSTRUCTION

State Department of Transportation Completes Work Two Months Ahead of Schedule

      Governor Dannel P. Malloy and James Redeker, Commissioner of the State Department of Transportation (DOT), joined Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Middletown Mayor Dan Drew, Portland First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield, federal transportation officials, and local leaders to celebrate the completion of the year-long rehabilitation of the Arrigoni Bridge. Officials unveiled the original 1938 bronze bridge marker during the rededication ceremony.

      “Thanks to the investment of the Federal Highway Administration and the hard work of the DOT, today is a good day for Connecticut travelers,” said Governor Malloy. “Strengthening our economy requires addressing our aging infrastructure and transportation network.  For 74 years, the Arrigoni Bridge has been an integral part of our highway system—with these repairs it will last long into the future. I applaud our DOT crews for their good work and especially thank the people of Middletown and Portland for their patience during the construction.” 

      Begun in May 2011, the three-phase $19.7 million project included replacing the bridge deck as well as sidewalks and concrete barriers.  The work created 60 jobs for Connecticut residents in construction, planning, and design. Construction wrapped up in September 2012, two months ahead of the expected November completion date.  Federal funds covered 80 percent of the project costs.

      "The rehabilitation of this historic bridge will help to ease commutes on Route 66 and improve traffic safety," said Senator Richard Blumenthal. "This partnership of federal and state government provides vital investment in our nation's infrastructure —creating jobs and safer roadways in the process." 

      "This bridge is a part of the National Highway System, a system of interregional highways important to the nation's economy, defense, and mobility,” said Amy Jackson-Grove, regional administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). “The FHWA is proud to work with our partners at the Connecticut Department of Transportation and invest federal funds on needed repairs to keep this bridge in a state of good repair."

      “I want to thank the people of central Connecticut for their patience during this year-long rehabilitation project,” said James P. Redeker, Commissioner of the Connecticut DOT. “Getting all four lanes of traffic reopened early was a major accomplishment and a testament to the diligence of the DOT staff, its contractors, and the towns of Middletown and Portland.”

      The 1,200 foot Arrigoni Bridge, named after advocate Charles J. Arrigoni, who served in the State Assembly from 1933-1936 and in the State Senate from 1937-1940, first opened in 1938 and carries 35,000 vehicles per day over the Connecticut River between Middletown and Portland.

For more information on the Arrigoni Bridge Project visit the DOT’s website .