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

FOR RELEASE: March 28, 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 is announcing the start of work for safety improvements on Route 85 from Shady Brook Picnic Area to Skyline Drive in the town of Salem.  

The purpose of the project is to improve overall safety and operation of Route 85.  Route 85 will be widened on both sides of the road in order to provide 12-foot lanes and 5-foot shoulders.  The widening will improve sightlines at both Route 85 and at Skyline Drive.  Additional drainage will be installed to alleviate issues with the flooding and ponding of water along the roadway shoulders.  Also, the improvements include widening the roadway in front of commercial businesses within the project limits to accommodate a 12-foot lane with an 8-foot shoulder.  The 8-foot shoulder will provide left-turn bypass capability at the commercial entrances. 

The contract was awarded to R.E.D. Technologies, LLC of Bloomfield, Connecticut at a cost of $1,194,595.95 on February 22, 2017 and is scheduled to be completed in November 2017. 

LANE CLOSURE INFO
Traffic may experience delays Monday through Friday from 7:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. from  today to July 2, and September 5, 2017 through November, 2017.    The drainage crossings, milling and paving work will be completed at night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.  Traffic will be maintained utilizing alternating one-way traffic during these allowable time frames.   
 
Motorists are urged to obey the posted speed limit and to use caution through this and all other construction work zones.