CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: March 20, 2017

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 (Department) will conduct a public information meeting concerning the proposed improvements on I-95 Interchange 74 at Route 161 on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at the Camp Niantic Army National Guard Base, NETT Hall, 38 Smith Street, Niantic, Connecticut.  An open forum for individual discussions with Department officials will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a formal presentation at 7:00 p.m.

The project is identified as State Project No. 44-156.

The purpose of the project is to address vehicular safety on I-95 at Interchange 74 and address traffic operational concerns between Interchanges 74 and 75 in East Lyme.  In addition, this project will address traffic operational concerns and improve safety for all roadway users (motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists) on Route 161 in the vicinity of the exit 74 interchange ramps.  It is also proposed to replace the I-95 bridge over Route 161 due to its poor condition and to accommodate the widening on Route 161. 

I-95 will be widened to accommodate three travel lanes in each direction (one of the three lanes is intended for future use).  An auxiliary lane will be constructed between exits 74 & 75 in each direction.  As a result of the I-95 widening, the bridges over Pattagansett River and Latimar Brook will be extended or replaced contingent on the hydraulic analysis of the existing bridges.

The terminus of the northbound I-95 exit 74 ramp will be relocated southerly to form a new signalized intersection with Route 161 and the Burger King Driveway.  Vehicles on southbound Route 161 will be accessing I-95 northbound on a new entrance “loop” ramp approximately 500 feet south of its current location.  The entrance ramp to I-95 northbound for vehicles on northbound Route 161 will be realigned slightly at its present location.

The right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements may include total and partial property acquisitions, permanent easements and temporary easements during construction.  The existing non-access lines may be revised to accommodate the new proposed ramps.

Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2021 based on the availability of funding.  The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $140 million.  This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 80% percent federal funds and 20% percent state funds.

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.

The meeting facility is ADA accessible.  Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department’s Office of Communications (voice only) at (860) 594-3062 at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting.  Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public, and efforts will be made to respond to requests for assistance.

If postponement of the public informational meeting is required due to inclement weather or other conditions, it will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at the Town Hall, Upper Meeting Room, 108 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic, Connecticut at the original time. 

Plans of the proposed project will be on display for public review.  Department 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 Ms. Susan M. Libatique at (860) 594-3179 or by e-mail at Susan.Libatique@ct.gov. Plans are also available for review at the at the Town Hall, Department of Planning & Zoning.