DOT Public Information Meeting on Improvements to Route 34
Posted on January 19, 2017
DOT Public Information Meeting on Improvements to Route 34
HARTFORD- The Connecticut Department of Transportation will be hosting a Public Information Meeting concerning the proposed intersection improvements on Route 34 (Derby Turnpike) at Baldwin Road in the Town of Orange tomorrow, January 19th, in the Meeting Room located on the lower level. An open forum for individual discussions with Department officials will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a formal presentation at 7:00 p.m.
Additional improvements include the upgrade of the existing Route 34 Computerized Traffic Signal System (CTSS) in the city of Derby and the town of Orange.
The purpose of the project is to address safety concerns at the intersection of Route 34 (Derby Turnpike) and Baldwin Road in the town of Orange by providing and/or lengthening exclusive turn lanes and installing a traffic signal to improve traffic operations. The project will begin on Route 34 approximately 475 feet west of Baldwin Road and will continue easterly on Route 34 to approximately 525 feet east of Baldwin Road, for a distance of about 1,000 feet. The Route 34 median west of Baldwin Road will be revised to increase the storage length of the existing Route 34 eastbound left-turn lane to Baldwin Road. Route 34 to the east of Baldwin Road will be widened to provide an exclusive Route 34 westbound right-turn lane to Baldwin Road. Baldwin Road will be widened to provide a left-turn lane and a right-turn lane at the intersection with Route 34. The Baldwin Road widening will begin at the intersection of Route 34 and extend northerly for approximately 300 feet. A traffic control signal will be installed and the intersection will be revised from a side street stop-controlled to a signalized operation. The project roadways will be resurfaced and new pavement markings and signage will be installed.
The project will also include the replacement of outdated controller cabinets at five (5) existing traffic control signals in the city of Derby and at six (6) existing traffic control signals in the town of Orange. Upgrading the existing signal system by installing new controller cabinets will allow the system to be compatible with the Department’s current information technology network, improve signal coordination, and facilitate traffic flow on this section of Route 34.
There are right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed widening of Route 34 and Baldwin Road. These impacts are anticipated to include easements for highway purposes, a defined easement for traffic signal appurtenances, and one (1) partial property acquisition. Additionally, temporary construction easements may be necessary during the widening of the roadways.
Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2019, based on the availability of funding. The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $2 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with ninety percent (90%) Federal funds and ten percent (10%) State funds.
If postponement of the public informational meeting is required due to inclement weather or other conditions, it will be held on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at the original hour and location.
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