August 30, 2012

CARPINO: ARRIGONI BRIDGE TO RE-OPEN AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

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(HARTFORD, CT) – State Rep. Christie Carpino along with Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner James P. Redeker today announced that the Arrigoni Bridge, which carries Route 66 over the Connecticut River between Middletown and Portland, will reopen all four lanes of traffic by September 15 – two months ahead of the original schedule.

“I am happy to report the earlier re-opening of Arrigoni Bridge for area commuters. This is great news and will alleviate the traffic back ups, especially during peak-hours. This is an example of how state and local government can work together and efficiently for the good of the community,” said Rep. Carpino.

“I also want to thank the residents for being so patient and a special thank you to our local police and fire departments for being proactive to protect our safety,” added Rep. Carpino.

Upcoming work to complete the final paving on the two main spans and the installation of pavement markings will occur from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting Tuesday, September 4, weather permitting, and will be completed by September 15, at which time traffic will be restored to its original four lane configuration.

After September 15, off-peak lane closures will be required to complete work added to the project, which includes paving of the approach spans, replacement of the approach spans’ expansion joints, and sidewalk repairs to the south side of the bridge. The lane closures will only occur during off-peak traffic hours. Also, while the sidewalk located on the north side will reopen on September 15, the sidewalk on the south side will be closed until October 31, 2012.

The Arrigoni Bridge was originally built between 1936 and 1938 and opened to traffic on August 6, 1938. Since the opening of the bridge, numerous repairs have been made including structural steel, approach concrete deck repairs, new barrier curb railings, electrical upgrades and abatement and painting of the steel girders and overhead truss structure.

For more information on the Arrigoni Bridge Project, visit www.ct.gov/dot/Arrigoni. Any questions or comments related to the Arrigoni Bridge should be sent to DOT.Arrigoni@ct.gov.