October 23, 2012

Carpino: Arrigoni Bridge Reopens Fully

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State Department of Transportation Completes Work Two Months Ahead of Schedule

HARTFORD – State Rep. Christie Carpino joined Governor Dannel P. Malloy and James Redeker, Commissioner of the State Department of Transportation (DOT), federal transportation officials, and local law enforcement leaders to celebrate the completion of the year-long rehabilitation of the Arrigoni Bridge. Officials unveiled the original 1938 bronze bridge marker during the rededication ceremony.

Carpino who represents Cromwell, Portland and Middletown said, “A safe Arrigoni Bridge is vital to the residents of Portland. The bridge is critical to for access to healthcare services and the main thoroughfare for commerce in Portland. Countless hours of hard work by many individuals set the stage for a successful outcome-done early and under budget.”

Begun in May 2011, the three-phase $19.7 million project included replacing the bridge deck as well as sidewalks and concrete barriers. The work created 60 jobs for Connecticut residents in construction, planning, and design. Construction wrapped up in September 2012, two months ahead of the expected November completion date. Federal funds covered 80 percent of the project costs.

“This bridge is a part of the National Highway System, a system of interregional highways important to the nation’s economy, defense, and mobility,” said Amy Jackson-Grove, regional administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). “The FHWA is proud to work with our partners at the Connecticut Department of Transportation and invest federal funds on needed repairs to keep this bridge in a state of good repair.”

“I want to thank the people of central Connecticut for their patience during this year-long rehabilitation project,” said James P. Redeker, Commissioner of the Connecticut DOT. “Getting all four lanes of traffic reopened early was a major accomplishment and a testament to the diligence of the DOT staff, its contractors, and the towns of Middletown and Portland.”

The 1,200 foot Arrigoni Bridge, named after advocate Charles J. Arrigoni, who served in the State Assembly from 1933-1936 and in the State Senate from 1937-1940, first opened in 1938 and carries 35,000 vehicles per day over the Connecticut River between Middletown and Portland.

For more information on the Arrigoni Bridge Project visit the DOT’s website .