Public Information Meeting on I-95 & Rt. 161 Road Construction

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) is hosting a public information meeting to discuss proposed safety and traffic operational improvements on the I-95 Interchange 74 at Route 161 and replacement of the I-95 bridge over Route 161.

When: Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: East Lyme Middle School Auditorium
31 Society Road, Niantic, CT

If postponement of the public informational/public scoping meeting is required due to inclement weather or other conditions, the meeting will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at the original hour and location.\

Proposed improvements include:

I-95

• Full reconstruction and widening to accommodate revised ramp configurations and auxiliary lanes between exits 74 and 75 in each direction.
• Full replacement of the bridge over Route 161 (due to poor condition).
• Extension of the bridge over the Pattagansett River – including the addition of new retaining walls.
• Making accommodations for a future project to add a third lane.
• Realignment of southbound ramps so that they terminate on a new frontage road to form a signalized “T” type intersection with a three-lane approach to Route 161 consisting of one left-turn lane and two right-turn lanes.
• Relocation of the northbound Exit 74 ramp southward to form a new signalized intersection with Route 161 and the Burger King Driveway.

Route 161

• (Northbound at new I-95 Intersection) Construction of a four-lane approach consisting of two exclusive left-turn lanes and two through lanes.
• (Southbound at new I-95 Intersection) Construction of two through lanes and exclusive turn lanes.
• Construction of a new I-95 NB entrance “loop” ramp approximately 500 feet south of its current location.
• Full reconstruction and widening to provide turn lanes, wider shoulders, and sidewalk connectivity.
• Revised non-access lines.

Construction would cost $140 million – funded 80 percent by federal dollars and 20 percent by state dollars – and begin in Summer 2021. Right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements include total and partial property acquisitions, permanent easements, and temporary easements during construction.

Project proposals will be on display during the meeting, but you can also acquire more information from the DOT’s Office of Engineering located at 2800 Berlin Turnpike in Newington.

I encourage you to attend the meeting, ask questions and share your opinions on this proposal. If you are unable to attend but would still like to discuss the project, please contact Susan Libatique from the Bureau of Engineering and Construction at 860-594-3179 or susan.libatique@ct.gov.