Connecticut News

[shadyjay]

The Coles Road bridges were in service when CT 9 was opened up to I-91. 
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6207245,-72.6840137,3a,43y,264.67h,74.22t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srf87Ww1O-WKc-hWv0q4-Nw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

I bet this bridge has a same time frame for construction, even though CT 9 wasn't extended underneath and west of here until much later.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6266858,-72.6927064,3a,75y,175.93h,79.08t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJ7L7ySPB9Xv201mPx3Tymw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

The I-91 North to CT 9 North bridge has a born-on date of 1988.  Originally, this connection was going to be a left exit, so there would have not been a bridge here.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6214798,-72.6922847,3a,40.2y,213.21h,73.14t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sY9oCy7cDArPxfxi3S6lgHA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DY9oCy7cDArPxfxi3S6lgHA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D67.873985%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i819


Further up Route 9, in New Britain on the Taras Shevchenko north of Exit 28, the overpass over East St in New Britain has a date stamped 1975 and another 1976.  This was to be the connector between the CT 72 and I-291 expressways and for years, didn't connect to anything to the north.  This is the wide concrete section of CT 9 for about 3/4 mile north of CT 72.  By the mid 1980s, it finally reached CT 175, but wouldn't get a signed number until 1990 (being Route 9), and wouldn't be extended to I-84 until 1992.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6794135,-72.76453,3a,75y,186.79h,67.86t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1su7E4RzoacW41JjJF-h_cHw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

[KEVIN_224]

ConnDOT recently milled and paved the on and off ramps for Exit 21 of I-91 (CT Route 372) in Cromwell. It was badly needed. Only one problem: They did something stupid with the south on/off ramps. They removed a big section of the guard rail. Now it only starts near a sharp curve at the top of the slope. It's not the best picture. I could always try for another shot again, on that side next time.

[Alps]

ConnDOT recently milled and paved the on and off ramps for Exit 21 of I-91 (CT Route 372) in Cromwell. It was badly needed. Only one problem: They did something stupid with the south on/off ramps. They removed a big section of the guard rail. Now it only starts near a sharp curve at the top of the slope. It's not the best picture. I could always try for another shot again, on that side next time.

Yeah, I feel like when you remove guiderail, you're supposed to put a temporary barrier in place. I don't even see a yellow stripe there, just wide open pavement. Wots, uh... the deal?

[KEVIN_224]

They haven't even striped this side yet. The on/off ramps for the I-91 North on the other side are done. They just need to add the big white stop stripe at the traffic light with CT Route 372.

Actually, I think the guard rail (southbound on/off) was like that beforehand, going by this street view image:

https://goo.gl/maps/LMmnnngupkEB6am68

[shadyjay]

Finally got around to snapping a pic of some of the I-95 Exit 74 signage installed as part of the COSTCO project. 

20200516_154549 by Jay Hogan, on Flickr

Since the previous photo on this thread was posted, it appears that downward facing arrow is normal size and not oversized.  I-95 shields in the area are still oversized, however.

And that FREEWAY ENTRANCE sign is quite unique for Connecticut.  Perhaps it was posted because the left turn lane from CT 161 South allows motorists to either turn onto the ramp to I-95 North or to the local street just beyond to access the park & ride and Motel 6.  The sign shows motorists that the first left is indeed for the entrance to 95. 

But the worst part of the interchange "improvements" is the reconfigured ramp to I-95 South, which has a reverse curve in the middle, which slows traffic trying to enter I-95 South.  You enter the interstate's acceleration lane at about 20 mph, and the acceleration lane wasn't lengthened to accommodate this new curve.  I'm not sure why the extra curve was put in, or why the acceleration lane wasn't lengthened, but there is real estate available to do both.  We'll have to wait for a future widening project for any solution, unfortunately.  Getting on at the next exit up (Exit 75) isn't any better, as that acceleration lane is even shorter.

[RobbieL2415]

Finally got around to snapping a pic of some of the I-95 Exit 74 signage installed as part of the COSTCO project. 

20200516_154549 by Jay Hogan, on Flickr

Since the previous photo on this thread was posted, it appears that downward facing arrow is normal size and not oversized.  I-95 shields in the area are still oversized, however.

And that FREEWAY ENTRANCE sign is quite unique for Connecticut.  Perhaps it was posted because the left turn lane from CT 161 South allows motorists to either turn onto the ramp to I-95 North or to the local street just beyond to access the park & ride and Motel 6.  The sign shows motorists that the first left is indeed for the entrance to 95. 

But the worst part of the interchange "improvements" is the reconfigured ramp to I-95 South, which has a reverse curve in the middle, which slows traffic trying to enter I-95 South.  You enter the interstate's acceleration lane at about 20 mph, and the acceleration lane wasn't lengthened to accommodate this new curve.  I'm not sure why the extra curve was put in, or why the acceleration lane wasn't lengthened, but there is real estate available to do both.  We'll have to wait for a future widening project for any solution, unfortunately.  Getting on at the next exit up (Exit 75) isn't any better, as that acceleration lane is even shorter.

What is this now, California?

[KEVIN_224]

Just as long as people don't start saying "The 95", we're good!

[NoGoodNamesAvailable]

Freeway/Parkway Entrance signs are now standard in NYS as well, as a wrong-way countermeasure.

[zzyzx]

Finally got around to snapping a pic of some of the I-95 Exit 74 signage installed as part of the COSTCO project. 

20200516_154549 by Jay Hogan, on Flickr

Since the previous photo on this thread was posted, it appears that downward facing arrow is normal size and not oversized.  I-95 shields in the area are still oversized, however.

And that FREEWAY ENTRANCE sign is quite unique for Connecticut.  Perhaps it was posted because the left turn lane from CT 161 South allows motorists to either turn onto the ramp to I-95 North or to the local street just beyond to access the park & ride and Motel 6.  The sign shows motorists that the first left is indeed for the entrance to 95. 

But the worst part of the interchange "improvements" is the reconfigured ramp to I-95 South, which has a reverse curve in the middle, which slows traffic trying to enter I-95 South.  You enter the interstate's acceleration lane at about 20 mph, and the acceleration lane wasn't lengthened to accommodate this new curve.  I'm not sure why the extra curve was put in, or why the acceleration lane wasn't lengthened, but there is real estate available to do both.  We'll have to wait for a future widening project for any solution, unfortunately.  Getting on at the next exit up (Exit 75) isn't any better, as that acceleration lane is even shorter.

What is this now, California?

I see you were in my neck of the woods. I took the photo back in November and didn't notice they changed the arrow size since.  I'm now back in CT from CA and I find the freeway sign amusing.

I'll start giving directions to Costco by saying "just take the 95 freeway to Flanders, it's only 5 minutes from the 395 interchange!


iPhone

[connroadgeek]

What's the difference between the downward slanted arrow versus a normal one that points upward?

[Alps]

What's the difference between the downward slanted arrow versus a normal one that points upward?

Downward slanted means "the sign above this arrow applies to this point on the roadway," usually used for freeway entrances or crosswalks. Upward means "go in the direction indicated by this arrow".

[Roadgeekteen]

Finally got around to snapping a pic of some of the I-95 Exit 74 signage installed as part of the COSTCO project. 

20200516_154549 by Jay Hogan, on Flickr

Since the previous photo on this thread was posted, it appears that downward facing arrow is normal size and not oversized.  I-95 shields in the area are still oversized, however.

And that FREEWAY ENTRANCE sign is quite unique for Connecticut.  Perhaps it was posted because the left turn lane from CT 161 South allows motorists to either turn onto the ramp to I-95 North or to the local street just beyond to access the park & ride and Motel 6.  The sign shows motorists that the first left is indeed for the entrance to 95. 

But the worst part of the interchange "improvements" is the reconfigured ramp to I-95 South, which has a reverse curve in the middle, which slows traffic trying to enter I-95 South.  You enter the interstate's acceleration lane at about 20 mph, and the acceleration lane wasn't lengthened to accommodate this new curve.  I'm not sure why the extra curve was put in, or why the acceleration lane wasn't lengthened, but there is real estate available to do both.  We'll have to wait for a future widening project for any solution, unfortunately.  Getting on at the next exit up (Exit 75) isn't any better, as that acceleration lane is even shorter.

I'm pretty sure that some people in New England wouldn't know what a "freeway" is.

[storm2k]

ConnDOT recently milled and paved the on and off ramps for Exit 21 of I-91 (CT Route 372) in Cromwell. It was badly needed. Only one problem: They did something stupid with the south on/off ramps. They removed a big section of the guard rail. Now it only starts near a sharp curve at the top of the slope. It's not the best picture. I could always try for another shot again, on that side next time.

Yeah, I feel like when you remove guiderail, you're supposed to put a temporary barrier in place. I don't even see a yellow stripe there, just wide open pavement. Wots, uh... the deal?

It looks like they have the markers in place to paint the lines, except it was coming at a later time?

Still doesn't explain why they took out so much guardrail though.

[shadyjay]

A potential resurgence on the I-84 sign replacement project, Southington to Farmington:

I observed the ConnDOT web cam which looks east from Exit 33 and I see a gantry I haven't seen before, in front of an existing monotube bridge structure for Exit 35.  It appears to be a 4-chord truss, not a monotube bridge like the new ones westbound. 

For those playing along... we're still waiting on these installations (does not include removals):

Eastbound:
(3) for Exit 35, (1) for Exit 36, (1) for Exit 39, (1) for Exit 39A

Westbound:
(1) for Exit 39A, (1) for Exit 36

[KEVIN_224]

What exactly is being done on I-84/US 6 in West Hartford right now? I noticed that the Exit 40 West on-ramp from Ridgewood Road (right by NBC channel 30's studio) is closed off. The detour from CT Route 71 west had you going down to CT Route 9 Exit 30 in the far north end of New Britain.

[shadyjay]

What exactly is being done on I-84/US 6 in West Hartford right now? I noticed that the Exit 40 West on-ramp from Ridgewood Road (right by NBC channel 30's studio) is closed off. The detour from CT Route 71 west had you going down to CT Route 9 Exit 30 in the far north end of New Britain.

https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/Construction-News-from-the-Connecticut-Department-of-Transportation/2020/Scheduled-Upcoming-Five-Month-I-84-Westbound-Exit-40-on-ramp-closure

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing the scheduled upcoming closure of the I-84 westbound  Exit 40 on-ramp at Ridgewood Road in West Hartford for a period of approximately five months.  The ramp will be closed on May 11, 2020, and reopened on or before October 5, 2020.  The closure and detour are necessary to facilitate construction and safety improvements to the I-84 westbound bridge over Ridgewood Road.

[RobbieL2415]

What exactly is being done on I-84/US 6 in West Hartford right now? I noticed that the Exit 40 West on-ramp from Ridgewood Road (right by NBC channel 30's studio) is closed off. The detour from CT Route 71 west had you going down to CT Route 9 Exit 30 in the far north end of New Britain.

https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/Construction-News-from-the-Connecticut-Department-of-Transportation/2020/Scheduled-Upcoming-Five-Month-I-84-Westbound-Exit-40-on-ramp-closure

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing the scheduled upcoming closure of the I-84 westbound  Exit 40 on-ramp at Ridgewood Road in West Hartford for a period of approximately five months.  The ramp will be closed on May 11, 2020, and reopened on or before October 5, 2020.  The closure and detour are necessary to facilitate construction and safety improvements to the I-84 westbound bridge over Ridgewood Road.

Yea, that whole area is being reconfigured.  They're eliminating some of the winding through Corbin's Corner.  It's a multi-year ordeal.

Other projects of note:
-Sign replacement is starting for the I-84 Exit 58/59 gantries.
-The median is being repaired from Exit 57 to 60.  Exposed rebar is poking out in spots.

Update to the I-91 COB project:
-The first pier for the new Exit 29 is up. Construction of the abutment for the ramp has started.
- I-91 median clearing and signbase installation continues.
- Grading for the widened I-91 NB is nearing completion
-95% of the sound barriers on CT 15 over Silver Lane are gone.

[jp the roadgeek]

Didn't get a shot because it was a little foggy and rainy, but CTDOT finally installed the 1/2 mile and Exit Now gantries on I-84 EB in Plainville for Exit 35 (CT 72 East).  Interesting that unlike westbound with the pipe gantries, these are full overhead chorded trusses.  The old Exit Now curved gantry is still standing, but should be gone soon.  They also installed the missing mileposts (49.8-50.2) but the 49.8 and 50 are on the far side of the ramp from Crooked St rather than on the jersey barrier between the travel lanes and the ramp. 

[shadyjay]

Any sign yet of work (foundations, etc) for the new Exit 35 1/4 mile assembly?  This is in the contract plans and seems unnecessary with a 1/2 mile advance just before.

Was on I-691 East this morning... still just the support (monotube bridge) at exit 10 and no work observed yet at Exit 11.  These two are spot-replacements.

[RobbieL2415]

Any sign yet of work (foundations, etc) for the new Exit 35 1/4 mile assembly?  This is in the contract plans and seems unnecessary with a 1/2 mile advance just before.

Was on I-691 East this morning... still just the support (monotube bridge) at exit 10 and no work observed yet at Exit 11.  These two are spot-replacements.

I didn't see anything yesterday going WB.

Why are they doing spot replacements when 691 is a relatively short section of freeway?  Just put out a contract to replace all the signs.

[bob7374]

Any sign yet of work (foundations, etc) for the new Exit 35 1/4 mile assembly?  This is in the contract plans and seems unnecessary with a 1/2 mile advance just before.

Was on I-691 East this morning... still just the support (monotube bridge) at exit 10 and no work observed yet at Exit 11.  These two are spot-replacements.

I didn't see anything yesterday going WB.

Why are they doing spot replacements when 691 is a relatively short section of freeway?  Just put out a contract to replace all the signs.

Could be waiting until they are supposed to renumber the exits in 2022 or 2023.

[jp the roadgeek]

Any sign yet of work (foundations, etc) for the new Exit 35 1/4 mile assembly?  This is in the contract plans and seems unnecessary with a 1/2 mile advance just before.

Was on I-691 East this morning... still just the support (monotube bridge) at exit 10 and no work observed yet at Exit 11.  These two are spot-replacements.

I didn't see anything yesterday going WB.

Why are they doing spot replacements when 691 is a relatively short section of freeway?  Just put out a contract to replace all the signs.

My bad.  It was the 1/4 and Exit Nowp

[shadyjay]

Why are they doing spot replacements when 691 is a relatively short section of freeway?  Just put out a contract to replace all the signs.

Could be waiting until they are supposed to renumber the exits in 2022 or 2023.

The spot replacements I'm guessing are because the overhead support structures are up for replacement due to age, deterioration, etc.  The ones on I-691 in question are of the older truss style and most likely have been up since the 1970s.

What drives me crazy with these spot replacements is that the signs being put up are basically carbon copies of the existing signs, but upgraded to modern standards, such as aligned exit tabs, "LEFT' in the tab, the arrow within the "EXIT ONLY" banner, direct copy, etc).  They do not take into account what modifications will result in a "blanket" sign replacement project.  For instance, the Exit 11 signs will read "91 North/Hartford/Springield" as part of the spot replacement, but I betcha "Springfield" will not be listed during a blanket project.  Same goes for "W. Cross Pkwy" for the Exit 10 signs.  So in a couple of years when I-691 gets a blanket project, the new signs on these new gantries will be junked.  The exact same thing happened when I-95 South Exit 87 gantry in Groton was replaced.  "Clarence B. Sharp Hwy" was on the new gantry, but <5 years later, the signs were replaced again, changing the destination to "Groton City".  That seems awfully wasteful, especially when the predecessor signs lasted for 20+ years. 

When the spot sign replacement project first started, the overhead assembly was replaced or removed, with the existing sign relocated to the new gantry or the ground.  On CT 9 Exit 11, the 1/2 mile advances were both removed several years ago, with the button copy sign moved to ground supports.  Maybe that's what should be done on roads which are awaiting a "blanket" conversion.  Otherwise it just seems like a waste.

"ConnDOT.... one step forward... 3 steps back!"

[KEVIN_224]

Didn't get a shot because it was a little foggy and rainy, but CTDOT finally installed the 1/2 mile and Exit Now gantries on I-84 EB in Plainville for Exit 35 (CT 72 East).  Interesting that unlike westbound with the pipe gantries, these are full overhead chorded trusses.  The old Exit Now curved gantry is still standing, but should be gone soon.  They also installed the missing mileposts (49.8-50.2) but the 49.8 and 50 are on the far side of the ramp from Crooked St rather than on the jersey barrier between the travel lanes and the ramp. 

Definitely noticed the new gantry while on Woodford Avenue near Crooked Street in Plainville. That was on Thursday. I couldn't get pics, as I was on a city bus and the windows were pretty dirty, to be honest. The monotube gantries by the New Britain city line were still in place.

[shadyjay]

Took a quick drive up on I-84 in New Britain and Farmington today...

Looks like all guide signs and support structures have been installed and all old ones removed, including the ones westbound at Exit 39.  I only shot eastbound, but verified the westbound as being all replaced. 

Here's a small sample:

84EB-Exit35-3 by Jay Hogan, on Flickr

84EB-Exit39-1 by Jay Hogan, on Flickr

84EB-Exit39A-3 by Jay Hogan, on Flickr

And the rest...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadyjay/with/49967647001/

I'll get the remaining westbound signs within a week or so.

Enjoy!