Funding has been approved to advance the upgrade of two major infrastructure projects: I-84 in West Hartford and Route 15 between New Haven and Woodbridge. The funds are part of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s ongoing “Let’s Go CT!” transportation plan. The State Bond Commission released the money on Dec. 11.
Malloy said the projects will improve driver safety, capacity, and traffic flow on two of the state’s busiest highways: I-84 in West Hartford and Route 15 in New Haven.
A total of $3 million in funds have been approved for the final design of safety and capacity improvements that are coming to I-84 in West Hartford, an area that sees over 175,000 vehicles per day. Construction on the project is anticipated to begin within the next five years.
The project will include:
- A westbound thru lane from Interchange 39A (Route 9) to Interchange 43;
- An eastbound auxiliary lane from interchange 40 (New Britain Avenue) to Interchange 41 (South Main Street);
- Left and right shoulder widening;
- Complete replacement of two bridges over Berkshire Road, and widening of the bridge over Ridgewood Road; and,
- Additional operation lane to improve merging and safety.
The project on Route 15 in New Haven and Woodbridge includes $2 million for the preliminary design for rehabilitation of the Heroes Tunnel (formerly West Rock Tunnel) and Interchange 59 on Route 15. The twin-tube tunnel opened in 1949 and carries the Wilbur Cross Parkway through West Rock Ridge in New Haven. Today, it carries roughly 75,000 vehicles per day and requires constant maintenance due to its poor condition and hazards created by falling concrete, ice, and poor illumination. Rehabilitation will use innovative means to maintain traffic flow during construction and to shorten the duration of construction, which will involve building a third tunnel.
