Virtual Public Information Meeting Concerning Route 85 Corridor Improvements in Salem

Virtual Public Information Meeting Concerning Route 85 Corridor Improvements in Salem
The Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a virtual public information meeting concerning proposed Route 85 corridor improvements on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. The formal presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. Refer to the project webpage for more detail: https://portal.ct.gov/DOTSalem120-94.

The project is identified as State Project No. 0120-0094.

The purpose of the project is to address roadway deficiencies in two separate segments along Route 85 (Hartford Road) in the town of Salem. The purpose of Segment 1, Route 85 at Sullivan Road, is to repair a substandard masonry retaining wall which supports the east side of Route 85 in the vicinity of Sullivan Road. The proposed work will also include improving the turning radii at the Sullivan Road intersection, roadway widening for increased shoulder width, and slope stabilization. Other proposed improvements include upgrading guiderail and installing a new drainage system along the west side of the roadway. The purpose of Segment 2, Route 85 at Music Vale Road/Pratt Road, is to address intersection sight distance concerns looking south from Music Vale Road and to improve the stopping sight distance for Route 85 northbound vehicles approaching the intersection. The proposed work will include lowering the Route 85 roadway profile south of Music Vale Road, regrading the shoulders and embankments to maintain proper clear zone, and providing drainage swales per the latest design guidelines.

Right-of-way impacts associated with Segment 1 will include Drainage Right-of-Way, easements to slope, and an easement to install and maintain guiderail. Right-of-way impacts associated with Segment 2 will include an easement to slope and to replace private fencing.

Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring of 2023 based on the availability of funding, acquisition of rights of way, and approval of permit(s). The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $2.035 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 80-percent federal funds and 20-percent state funds.

The virtual public informational meeting is being held to provide the public and local community the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the proposed project. Persons with limited internet access may request that project information be mailed to them by contacting Jeffrey Pfaffinger, P.E., Project Manager, by email at jeffrey.pfaffinger@ct.gov or by phone at (860) 594-2767 (allow one week for processing and delivery).

Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (888) 566-5916 and entering the Participant Code 9977843when prompted. Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). The MS Teams Live Event offers closed-captioning for the hearing impaired and non-English translation options. A recording of the formal presentation will be posted to YouTube following the event and closed-captioning (including non-English translation options) will be available at that time. The recording will also be available in the list of DOT virtual public meetings here: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/general/CTDOT-VPIM-Library.

Visit the project webpage for options for Apple users. During the Q&A session and the 14 day comment period that follows the meeting, individuals may leave a question or comment via email (preferred) at DOTProject120-94@ct.gov. Individuals may also leave a voicemail question or comment by calling (860) 944-1111. Please reference the project in your voicemail.

Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department’s Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least 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 timely requests for assistance.