Hartford Business Journal

2015 | Doing Business in Connecticut 87 Transportation Destination Prosperity Connecticut's transportation projects targeting economic boost By Carol Latter C onnecticut's highways, bridges, railroads and deep-water ports are getting a major boost as they benefit from a huge infusion of money — one that Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker says is critical in order to keep Connecticut's economy moving full steam ahead. "is year, the DOT is delivering the biggest capital construction program that the state has probably ever had," Redeker said. "at includes many projects that have been on our plate and many new ones — the most significant of the new ones being the widening of I-84 in Waterbury." For years, a 2.7-mile narrowed section of the highway, with just two lanes in each direction, has been the scene of significant traffic congestion and countless accidents, particularly during rush hour. Work on the multi-year, $300 million I-84 project, which will expand the highway to three lanes in each direction, began in April and is expected to wrap by mid-2020. e project will also straighten out an S curve and build or replace eight highway overpasses. ese fixes are expected to not only improve the commuting experience for drivers but boost the economy of Waterbury by making it easier for people to visit during peak traffic hours. Aer many years of on-again, off-again discussions, the state announced it is also finally embarking on the environmental and design phases for a $2 billon revamp of the nearby "Mixmaster" — the 47-year-old interchange of I-84 and Route 8, and another frequent accident site. In the Hartford area, meanwhile, work is being undertaken to widen to two lanes the single-lane ramp at I-91 and Route 15, and to reconfigure the junction of I-91 and the Charter Oak Bridge, where gridlock and crashes are also common. Redeker said DOT anticipates "a 4-to-1 return on investment" from that $180 million upgrade, which "will generate over $840 mil- lion in economic return." In addition to creating an estimated 1,100 construction jobs and more than 200 long-term positions, the state expects the I-91 project to yield a variety of direct benefits, "includ- ing improved safety, reduction of delays, shipping productivity, and environmental gains." DOT also plans to replace an elevated portion of I-84 in Hart- ford, redesign Route 9 in Middletown to improve access to the water- front and mitigate traffic, and widen sections of I-95 in Fairfield and New London counties. Continued on page 88 > PHOTO/CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

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