Carpino Joins State and Local Officials in Monitoring Arrigoni Bridge Repair Proposal

MIDDLETOWN — Proposed repair to the Arrigoni Bridge was the subject of a meeting at the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce today, where state Rep. Christie Carpino joined lawmakers, business owners, local leaders and state transportation officials to discuss how the project will affect the region. The bridge is four lanes, and DOT engineers said the repairs will see workers close two of them. Locals worry those lane closures will snarl traffic and have a negative effect on businesses in the area. Transportation officials say the bridge’s deck has deteriorated, posing a serious hazard. The work could begin this summer, and chamber officials say the effect on businesses in Middletown, Cromwell and Portland will be significant. Public safety officials weighed in, too, and they’ll form a subcommittee focusing on getting fire trucks and ambulances over the bridge and to Middlesex Hospital. Officials will meet on the subject again next month.