Diana Stricker Photo
The state DOT is proposing a $13.8 million project to replace the I‑95 bridge at Exit 55 in Branford and to widen Route 1 below the span. However, it all depends on the availability of state and federal funds.
The DOT will hold a public information meeting Tuesday Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. in the community room at Branford Fire Headquarters.
The proposal is currently in the preliminary design phase, and public comments are being sought prior to the final design phase. If plans proceed as estimated and if funding is available, construction could begin in the spring of 2019.
The I‑95 bridge, which was built in 1958 and renovated in 1990, spans Route 1 near the commuter parking lot next to Zane’s Cycle’s at 330 E. Main St.
According to the DOT, the proposed project includes replacing the bridge with two prefabricated bridge unit spans which will be supported by a new reinforced concrete pier and the existing abutments. The embankments near the abutments will be cut back and new retaining walls will be installed.
Town Engineer Janice Plaziak told the Eagle that the project includes widening of Route 1. She said one of the support piers for the bridge will be placed between the lanes of Route 1. Sidewalks will also be installed along that portion of Route 1, the roadway will be lowered; and new traffic lights will be installed.
According to the DOT, construction will be staged with lane shifts of I‑95. For example, the two northbound lanes and the two southbound lanes will share the south half of the bridge when the north half of the bridge is replaced. Detours will be posted whenever the entrance and exit ramps at Exit 55 are closed
The project will also affect Route 1 traffic. The DOT said there will be lane shifts on Route 1 and temporary lane closures during some construction phases; and full closures of about 30 minutes when the prefabricated bridge spans are being placed.
The DOT did not indicate how long the project might take.
If weather on Jan. 31 is inclement, the information meeting will be re-scheduled for Feb. 7.
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The article doesn't mention the point of all this, a project presumably costing million of dollars. Is the bridge drastically in need of repair and dangerous? Is this part of some effort to widen Rte #1 in Branford? As presented, I have zero enthusiasm for spending money on this.