A project that will see the major rehabilitation of an elevated bridge structure on Interstate 91 is scheduled to start in early 2025, and that will mean an upcoming detour due to closure of a highway entrance ramp.
The rehabilitation of the Dutch Point Viaduct on Interstate 91 in Hartford is scheduled to begin in early 2025, according to the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
The work means the closure of the State Street on-ramp to I-91 southbound for approximately 18 months, according to the DOT.
The viaduct is an 1,800-foot-long elevated bridge structure that carries three lanes of Interstate 91 southbound over the Connecticut Southern Railroad and the I-91 northbound ramps to and from Whitehead Highway in Hartford, according to the DOT.
“The purpose of this project is to upgrade the bridge’s structural elements to current design standards, which will improve its load carrying capacity and extend its service life,” according to DOT. “This project is located along I-91 southbound between the Connecticut Convention Center and the Colt Armory”.
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According to DOT, the project includes:
- A new bridge deck with an upgraded drainage system
- New parapets that meet the latest federal standards
- New standard highway lights
- Metallizing of bridge girder beam ends and steel strengthening repairs to bridge girders to increase load carrying capacity
Bridge bearings also are to be replaced or repaired, according to DOT, and the “new micropiles and concrete encasement of steel pier bents will strengthen the substructure of the bridge and increase load carrying capacity.”
The project is expected to be completed by fall 2026 but prior to start of construction, the DOT will be hold an open house on it from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, January 13, 2025, in the Center for Contemporary Culture at the Hartford Public Library at 500 Main St.
The open house will include a formal presentation at 7 p.m. by DOT team members about the construction phases of the project, according to the agency.
“This project ensures the Dutch Point Viaduct remains in a state of good repair and meets all of the latest federal standards,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Construction Engineer Juan Ruiz. “I hope the public joins us for our open house to learn more about this important project.”
The closure of the on-ramp and implementation of the detour are anticipated to start in winter 2025.
Individuals with hearing and/or speech disabilities can dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Language assistance may be requested by contacting the CTDOT Language Assistance Call Line at (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least five business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance, according to the agency.
For more information on the project, visit portal.ct.gov/DutchPointViaduct.
