Gov. Dannel Malloy held a news conference in Hartford on Tuesday to discuss plans for a $200 million renovation project that will impact the area around the Charter Oak Bridge, which carries Routes 5 and 15 over the Connecticut River between Hartford and East Hartford.
The Governor’s plans includes widening I-91 North between Interchange 27 to Interchange 29, which will require modifications to four bridges: I-91 over Route 15; I-91 over a drainage crossing; I-91 over the entrance ramp to I-91 South and Route 15 South; and I-91 over Airport Road. The I-91 North ramp at Exit 29 would be replaced, Route 15 North would be realigned, and the southern approach to the Charter Oak Bridge would be widened.
"All in all, this work will ease congestion, improve safety and provide a better I-91-84 connection," Anna Barry, Deputy Department of Transportation Commissioner said during a news conference.
Right now traffic on routes 5 and 15 headed over the Charter Oak Bridge has to cross traffic, as do vehicles coming off I-91, creating a double cross traffic pattern.
The safety manager for the Fresh Point produce trucks said that every day traffic gets tied into knots because the roadways weave together.
"And basically because people are not expecting that, they're trying to merge in, they're trying to cut over, and not everybody is able to get in," Todd Gianetti, of Fresh Point, siad. "People hit their brakes, and you get rear end collisions."
The annual crash rate near exit 29 on I-91 caught the governor's attention.
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"At least at last count we were averaging about 88 accidents as a result of this one lane transfer," Malloy said.
Malloy himself was caught in a traffic jam in the area he calls frightening.
"I actually saw three different accidents in that line, obviously causing congestion not just in the one lane, but across the entire road - three separate accidents all at once," Malloy said.
A statement from Malloy's office says the project is in the early stages of design, but engineering is already funded and underway using available federal and state funds.
Funding for the estimated $200 million project would be split -- 80 percent federal and 20 percent state, costing the state about $40 million. It's expected to be included in the state's bonding package.
“When we talk about congestion reducing productivity and traffic hampering our economic output, the Charter Oak Bridge on I-91 North is the perfect example. For decades, the area has caused major traffic delays, posed safety concerns, and needed significant reconstruction – and it’s all come at the expense of businesses, our economy, and quality of life. For too long, there’s been no action, and it’s time we stand up for a best-in-class transportation system if we want to improve our economy, stimulate growth, and deliver jobs. That’s why we’re fixing I-91 North in Hartford,” Governor Malloy said. “While some may say we shouldn’t think big or bold on transportation, with billions of dollars in productivity lost because of inaction, I say we can’t afford not to. Our economic future hinges on it.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2018 and is expected to be completed in 2023. The project is estimated to create or retain 1,100 jobs.
