CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NEWS RELEASE
2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546
NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546
FOR RELEASE: May 12, 2016
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062
FAX: (860) 594-3065
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Ribbon Cut for New Bridge in Chester

Chester Bridge Ribbon Cutting - Commissioner Redeker Chester Bridge Ribbon Cutting - Ken Fargnoli
Commissioner Redeker addresses the crowd
before the ribbon-cutting
District Two Engineer Ken Fargnoli
carefully cuts the ribbon
      Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker today joined District Two Engineer Kenneth E. Fargnoli and other state and local officials to cut a ribbon marking the opening of a newly completed bridge at the intersection of Main Street and Ferry Road (Route 148) in the center of Chester.

     The project included the complete replacement of the bridge, including abutments on piles, and conventional steel girders with a concrete bridge deck.  The existing abutments were preserved and the new abutments were installed behind them and attached with a concrete cap beneath the bridge deck.

      Construction began on January 11, 2016, and the road opened 10 days ahead of schedule and within budget.  The prime contractor is Arborio Corporation; the project cost is $4.5 million. 

      In addition to the bridge work, the road and sidewalks were reconstructed.  A retaining wall was built on the corner of the intersection along with curved, granite-capped steps leading to the building at 1 Main Street.  The retaining wall and abutments were faced with stone and capped with granite.  Pilasters were constructed at the ends of the bridge and also were stone-faced and capped with granite.  Other streetscape elements were included in the project as well, including items such as granite curbing, cobblestone accents, decorative lighting, benches, bike racks and a decorative crosswalk.