Connecticut News

[Mergingtraffic]

Is that a US-44 sign peaking out from underneath CT-74?  Does that mean an I-86 sign also lurks under??  I thought this sign was replaced and they did discover a I-86 shield under it? Or was that another location?  I drove by this sign last week.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8602012,-72.1708653,3a,15y,249.59h,95.75t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spDX6S5t7KPWqoyaS8WOM7g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

[shadyjay]

New signs on US-7 in Norwalk.  Added was an extra I-95 EXIT ONLY sign and ATTRACTIONS sign as the Maritime Aquarium will be removed from the older overheads and it'll now be on the new LOGO sign.

Hmmm... thought that was supposed to be a full width support with signs for I-95 North and South Norwalk exits?  (if the sign in the distance is the "exit now" for I-95 South).

Is that a US-44 sign peaking out from underneath CT-74?  Does that mean an I-86 sign also lurks under??  I thought this sign was replaced and they did discover a I-86 shield under it? Or was that another location?  I drove by this sign last week.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8602012,-72.1708653,3a,15y,249.59h,95.75t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spDX6S5t7KPWqoyaS8WOM7g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

It appears that is the location of the lurking "US 44 TO I-86" sign.  But I guess it was replaced.  At least according to Steve Alpert's US 44 page:
https://www.alpsroads.net/roads/ct/us_44/

[JJBers]

I passed by the Mansfield DoT maintenance facility yesterday and noticed a bunch of BGS signs, so I'm assuming the US 6 Bypass in Willimantic is going to have its signs replaced sometime soon. I'm not sure if they'll add new exit numbers or just maintain a lack of numbers.

[jp the roadgeek]

Finally got some shots of the new signs on SR 571 (Willow Brook Connector) with the newly numbered exit.




Not a fan of the font here


And this monstrosity's days are obviously numbered:

[Mergingtraffic]

Not a fan of the font here

It's in the plans that way..for some reason all the ramp BGS signs are like that.  Even for I-84 in Hartford, and new Exit 11 contract for I-84 has a BGS like that at the ramps.  I don't understand how is it so hard to get font and spacing correct nowadays??!

[shadyjay]

I don't think it's terrible... at least its extruded aluminum and not one of those sheet aluminum ramp signs!

[wytout]

I don't care about the overall tight spacing, but what the hell is up w these route markers. Same thing on the new signage at the COB. 1 and 2 di shields with type c numbers that are way to small relative to the square size.

Thought we finally standardized route shields in this state per the newest sign catalogs. 1 and 2 di should be squares with type d numbers. Wide shields for 3 di, type d if there is a 1 in the route number, type c if there isn't.

[sharkyfour]

I passed by the Mansfield DoT maintenance facility yesterday and noticed a bunch of BGS signs, so I'm assuming the US 6 Bypass in Willimantic is going to have its signs replaced sometime soon. I'm not sure if they'll add new exit numbers or just maintain a lack of numbers.

I'll have to drive by and check it out.  I don't remember hearing about any contract going out for their replacement...  Did I miss that?

[kurumi]

ConnDOT posted its 2020 highway log recently.

In Newington, CT designated a new secret route in 2020: SSR 494, Myra Cohen Way, leading from SR 505 (also secret) to the Cedar Street CTfastrak (Bus Rapid Transit) station. The 0.18-mile connector opened in 2015 with the busway, as a town road. The state reportedly took it over last year in order to expand parking and other amenities at the station.

Also sometime in 2020 (no route change notices online, unfortunately), SSR 403, the double-decker Bradley International Airport access road, was dropped from the state highway system.

[Duke87]

Also sometime in 2020 (no route change notices online, unfortunately), SSR 403, the double-decker Bradley International Airport access road, was dropped from the state highway system.

That's fascinating since... they can't have turned it back to the town of Windsor Locks, can they?

I would guess CAA has assumed maintenance of it.

[kernals12]

Central Connecticut is getting showered with earmark money thanks to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro who is the chair of the appropriations committee. Here's what's coming in the INVEST Act recently passed by the house:

I-91/I-691/Rt 15 Interchange Improvement Project (I guess Connecticut will soon be losing some more of its trademark left hand ramps)
I-95 West Haven Bridge Replacement and Operational Lane Project
Middletown Route 9 Signal Removal and Upgrade Project

[RyanB06]

Also in the INVEST Act is money for improving Exit 17 on I-84 West in Middlebury, so that will be interesting to see unfold.

All I have to say about the Route 9 money is: THANK GOD. The backups coming to the traffic lights from Cromwell are so bad people are using the breakdown lane to get over the Arrigoni Bridge. (Of course, the ongoing construction doesn't help that situation, but still it's ridiculous.) Maybe this will be the motivation the city of Middletown needs to finally play ball.

[shadyjay]

Central Connecticut is getting showered with earmark money thanks to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro who is the chair of the appropriations committee. Here's what's coming in the INVEST Act recently passed by the house:

I-91/I-691/Rt 15 Interchange Improvement Project (I guess Connecticut will soon be losing some more of its trademark left hand ramps)

You'd think so, but no... in fact they're gaining one!  A left exit from CT 15 North to I-91 North will be built where CT 15 North crosses over I-91 at Exit 16.  And the two on I-691 will remain, along with the left entrances.  I-691 will actually lose a lane (!) westbound and reduce to a single lane.  I guess this will make it more pronounced where I-691 ends and CT 66 begins. 

Wonder which bridge in West Haven?  The West River Bridge was already replaced and that was a biggie.  Unless they mean a conventional overpass replacement... perhaps this one:  https://www.google.com/maps/@41.2792229,-72.9613253,3a,75y,55.24h,85.76t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suWKLLfr2uo13au1H7znOKg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Then an operational lane could be added from Exit 42 merge to Exit 43 exit. 

Route 9 money!  Hopefully.  I'll believe this project when I see it, as we've all been waiting patiently for 30 + years to get rid of the lights.  I still have to wonder, after looking at both the northbound left exit plans and the plan for the widening of the Exit 13 onramp, if CT 17 will be rerouted as part of this project.  It doesn't leave motorists a lot of room to get over left to stay on CT 17 North, but it is more room than if that Exit 15 "roundabout" option was chosen. 

In reality, the Middletown mess really needs to be fixed by either (1) routing Route 9 to Portland and back via two bridges over the CT River;  (2) constructing a new bridge over the CT River to better handle thru traffic, and having this bridge meet Route 9 with a full interchange, closing the other intersections.  Perhaps a "northern" bridge route would do wonders to relieve some traffic.  Yeah yeah, I know... I know....

[kernals12]

Central Connecticut is getting showered with earmark money thanks to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro who is the chair of the appropriations committee. Here's what's coming in the INVEST Act recently passed by the house:

I-91/I-691/Rt 15 Interchange Improvement Project (I guess Connecticut will soon be losing some more of its trademark left hand ramps)

You'd think so, but no... in fact they're gaining one!  A left exit from CT 15 North to I-91 North will be built where CT 15 North crosses over I-91 at Exit 16.  And the two on I-691 will remain, along with the left entrances.  I-691 will actually lose a lane (!) westbound and reduce to a single lane.  I guess this will make it more pronounced where I-691 ends and CT 66 begins. 

Wonder which bridge in West Haven?  The West River Bridge was already replaced and that was a biggie.  Unless they mean a conventional overpass replacement... perhaps this one:  https://www.google.com/maps/@41.2792229,-72.9613253,3a,75y,55.24h,85.76t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suWKLLfr2uo13au1H7znOKg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Then an operational lane could be added from Exit 42 merge to Exit 43 exit. 

Route 9 money!  Hopefully.  I'll believe this project when I see it, as we've all been waiting patiently for 30 + years to get rid of the lights.  I still have to wonder, after looking at both the northbound left exit plans and the plan for the widening of the Exit 13 onramp, if CT 17 will be rerouted as part of this project.  It doesn't leave motorists a lot of room to get over left to stay on CT 17 North, but it is more room than if that Exit 15 "roundabout" option was chosen. 

In reality, the Middletown mess really needs to be fixed by either (1) routing Route 9 to Portland and back via two bridges over the CT River;  (2) constructing a new bridge over the CT River to better handle thru traffic, and having this bridge meet Route 9 with a full interchange, closing the other intersections.  Perhaps a "northern" bridge route would do wonders to relieve some traffic.  Yeah yeah, I know... I know....

Oh wow, and that's in addition to the one they recently added on the Charter Oak Bridge. I think there's a budding strange new respect for left hand ramps among highway engineers.

[Rothman]

Central Connecticut is getting showered with earmark money thanks to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro who is the chair of the appropriations committee. Here's what's coming in the INVEST Act recently passed by the house:

I-91/I-691/Rt 15 Interchange Improvement Project (I guess Connecticut will soon be losing some more of its trademark left hand ramps)

You'd think so, but no... in fact they're gaining one!  A left exit from CT 15 North to I-91 North will be built where CT 15 North crosses over I-91 at Exit 16.  And the two on I-691 will remain, along with the left entrances.  I-691 will actually lose a lane (!) westbound and reduce to a single lane.  I guess this will make it more pronounced where I-691 ends and CT 66 begins. 

Wonder which bridge in West Haven?  The West River Bridge was already replaced and that was a biggie.  Unless they mean a conventional overpass replacement... perhaps this one:  https://www.google.com/maps/@41.2792229,-72.9613253,3a,75y,55.24h,85.76t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suWKLLfr2uo13au1H7znOKg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Then an operational lane could be added from Exit 42 merge to Exit 43 exit. 

Route 9 money!  Hopefully.  I'll believe this project when I see it, as we've all been waiting patiently for 30 + years to get rid of the lights.  I still have to wonder, after looking at both the northbound left exit plans and the plan for the widening of the Exit 13 onramp, if CT 17 will be rerouted as part of this project.  It doesn't leave motorists a lot of room to get over left to stay on CT 17 North, but it is more room than if that Exit 15 "roundabout" option was chosen. 

In reality, the Middletown mess really needs to be fixed by either (1) routing Route 9 to Portland and back via two bridges over the CT River;  (2) constructing a new bridge over the CT River to better handle thru traffic, and having this bridge meet Route 9 with a full interchange, closing the other intersections.  Perhaps a "northern" bridge route would do wonders to relieve some traffic.  Yeah yeah, I know... I know....

Oh wow, and that's in addition to the one they recently added on the Charter Oak Bridge. I think there's a budding strange new respect for left hand ramps among highway engineers.

Nah.  Forget it, kernals12.  It's CT.

[PHLBOS]

Any sings of new exit numbers yet?

I didn't know exit numbers could... sing. 

One of the best & common typo.

[abqtraveler]

Central Connecticut is getting showered with earmark money thanks to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro who is the chair of the appropriations committee. Here's what's coming in the INVEST Act recently passed by the house:

I-91/I-691/Rt 15 Interchange Improvement Project (I guess Connecticut will soon be losing some more of its trademark left hand ramps)

Wonder which bridge in West Haven?  The West River Bridge was already replaced and that was a biggie.  Unless they mean a conventional overpass replacement... perhaps this one:  https://www.google.com/maps/@41.2792229,-72.9613253,3a,75y,55.24h,85.76t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suWKLLfr2uo13au1H7znOKg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Then an operational lane could be added from Exit 42 merge to Exit 43 exit. 

Yes, it's the bridge that carries I-95 over the New Haven Line immediately west of the newly-rebuilt bridge over the West River. According to a news article in the New Haven Register, the new bridge will have three 12-foot travel lanes, plus full inside and outside shoulders in each direction. An "operational lane" will be added in the southbound direction, but it appears this will be a lengthened deceleration lane for Exit 43. The article states that 2,200 feet of roadway will also be reconstructed and widened. By doing a cursory measurement on Google Earth, that would mean that I-95 would be reconstructed and brought up to the current standard cross-section from just west of the West River Bridge to the First Avenue (CT Route 122) overpass.

[shadyjay]

Oh... so its that bridge
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.2841614,-72.9462851,3a,75y,250.14h,71.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sPhmvnhXJ8AVvqgqu-TDiNg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

And I bet that's why that Exit 42 sign in the distance got "left behind"!

[abqtraveler]

Oh... so its that bridge
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.2841614,-72.9462851,3a,75y,250.14h,71.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sPhmvnhXJ8AVvqgqu-TDiNg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

And I bet that's why that Exit 42 sign in the distance got "left behind"!

Correct.

[jp the roadgeek]

Any sings of new exit numbers yet?

I didn't know exit numbers could... sing. 

One of the best & common typo.

To answer your question seriously: There was on CT 72 when the Corbin Ave signage went up with the EXIT 2 tab, but the 2's were overlain with 7's.  Numbers won't change until each highway is complete.  CT 9 is showing some progress, but CT 72 hasn't shown much progress in the past month or so (no signs in the maintenance area on Woodford Ave in Plainville). 

[abqtraveler]

Any sings of new exit numbers yet?

I didn't know exit numbers could... sing. 

One of the best & common typo.

To answer your question seriously: There was on CT 72 when the Corbin Ave signage went up with the EXIT 2 tab, but the 2's were overlain with 7's.  Numbers won't change until each highway is complete.  CT 9 is showing some progress, but CT 72 hasn't shown much progress in the past month or so (no signs in the maintenance area on Woodford Ave in Plainville).

Look at how long they've spent replacing signs on Route 8. That project has been going on for how many years now and they're still nowhere near finished. And they're not even renumbering the exits on Route 8 when they get the sign replacements done...whenever that may be.

[shadyjay]

Drove the length of CT 9 today to check on any signing updates.  Not much to report... what I shot is on my FLICKR 9/72 RESIGNING CONTRACT page
https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadyjay/albums/72157719337442409

The middle contract (Exits 18-24) seems to have the most progress still being made.  This includes some new supports for ground signs, removal of since-replaced gantries/signs, and additional new foundations for overheads.  The middle contract also includes replacing signs on the Berlin Tpke within the town of Berlin.

The northern contract (Exit 25 to I-84) hasn't seen any progress in the past two weeks, outside of maybe some overhead foundations here n' there.  Perhaps they're working on the CT 72 portion right now... didn't head out that way this time.

The southern contract (I-95 to Exit 16) continues with installing ramp signs.  Several offramps have ramp signs which leave out the arrows, leaving which way to turn up to the motorist.  Not sure how the arrows will be added (the contract plans show them).... they'll probably have to replace the whole sign.  An example is shown below:

DSC03083 by Jay Hogan, on Flickr

Foundations continue to be dug on CT 9 for new signs within the contract limits.  Didn't observe any new ramp signs on the connectors which are part of this project:  CT 17 and CT 82.

[jp the roadgeek]

Quick sign update: a new ground mount 1 mile advance for Exit 7 (future 2) is now up.  Looks really obscured, as it's tucked in right next to the 84 East overpass.

[kurumi]

Some decent overhead photos of I-91 / CT 15 construction in Hartford and East Hartford: https://i-91charteroakbridge.com/en/announcements/87-what-s-happening-now

[jp the roadgeek]

Let us pause for a moment of silence.  The Christian Lane CT 9 North monstrosity a few posts above is no more.  It has officially been replaced with a much smaller BGS much like the newer ones depicted.