Connecticut News

[Mergingtraffic]

Then you have US 5/CT 15 SB Exit 86, which you think they would also add a lane to, since I-91 NB Exit 29 is getting one. Why are ConnDOT only solving one half of the Charter Oak Bridge's congestion problem?

Yeah that bugs me too. I feel like they should have addressed that ramp. Traffic in the exit lane for Exit 86 is always stopped when I'm driving through there, especially on holiday weekends. I don't believe Exit 86 was ever included in the flyover project, which is why it wasn't widened also. Although I do agree that this should be a priority.

I wonder if their logic is "Well, there's also Exit 85 that goes to I-91 SB, so there's technically a second lane."
IMO that alternate route needs more prominent signage. Something like,

CT seems to be reluctant to put up extruded aluminum warning signs like MA does.  Hence the lack of any warning signs for the stoplights in Middletown.

I drove the newly opened NEW left exit on I-91 NB to CT-15/US-5 and I just don't like the idea of a new left exit.  I noticed a lot of traffic in the left two-lanes of I-91 previous to the exit.  I can see that backing up from people changing lanes to get into the left 2 lanes to exit.  I can see that in the years ahead.  Once you're on CT-15/US-5 it seems to be ok as most traffic are heading through to I-84. 

[jp the roadgeek]

One little item with that sign: it should be use Exit 87, not Exit 85.  Exit 85 is CT 99. 

[shadyjay]

Maybe an idea would be to restrict trucks to use Exit 87.  That would put them on the right side of the road, since 1/2 mile up the road, the left lane restriction for trucks begins.  Part of the issue is that all traffic enters on the left via existing Exit 86 and the trucks automatically merge right.  I once saw a highly confused motorist exit CT 15 South at Exit 86, cross over all 4 lanes, and exit I-91 South at Exit 28, which takes you back to CT 15 South.  I kept my distance when I saw the confusion of the motorist from the get-go.

Since we're on the subject of "an alternate to I-84 via I-691 and I-91", something that needs to be addressed at some point is the I-84 East exit to I-691 East.  This is a prime candidate for a 2-lane exit (new far right lane and an option lane at present 3rd lane location).  The existing single lane ramp does not even have a properly striped deceleration lane.  A 4th lane should be added, going back to Exit 26/CT 70, or just extend the "slow vehicle lane" which ends between the I-84 EB off and on ramps at Exit 26.  Cure that problem, and the forthcoming dual laned-left exit from I-691 East to I-91 North, and your north/eastbound I-84 alternate route is good to go. 

[RobbieL2415]

Had a thought about how to fix I-91/WC Parkway interchange in Meriden.

Why not have the parkway turn east just past Yale Ave., pass over North Farms Rd, then turn NE and meet I-91 there?

Then widen I-91 to five lanes up to the existing northern split?

[kernals12]

Would someone mind explaining why so much of I-84 between Southington and Newtown has an odd number of lanes?

[cockroachking]

Would someone mind explaining why so much of I-84 between Southington and Newtown has an odd number of lanes?

Climbing lanes.

[kernals12]

Would someone mind explaining why so much of I-84 between Southington and Newtown has an odd number of lanes?

Climbing lanes.

Thank you

[Ted$8roadFan]

Would someone mind explaining why so much of I-84 between Southington and Newtown has an odd number of lanes?

Climbing lanes.

Thank you

Connecticut has done a better than average job in implementing climbing lanes.

[Rothman]

Would someone mind explaining why so much of I-84 between Southington and Newtown has an odd number of lanes?

Climbing lanes.

Thank you

Connecticut has done a better than average job in implementing climbing lanes.

Pfft.  I think I-84 is one of the most miserable drives in the country because of all the merging back and forth with the climbing lanes.  CT needs to "connect" them -- keep that extra lane until the next climb.

[kernals12]

ConnDOT will be holding 3 public hearings this month for the I-84 improvements in Danbury. The first will be on Thursday June 9, then Tuesday June 14,  and then Wednesday June 22.

Now that Connecticut's pension liabilities are under control and Federal infrastructure funds are flowing, this might actually go somewhere.

Also, there's a public meeting scheduled on June 16 for *gasp* a rebuild of the Waterbury Mixmaster

[cockroachking]

ConnDOT will be holding 3 public hearings this month for the I-84 improvements in Danbury. The first will be on Thursday June 9, then Tuesday June 14,  and then Wednesday June 22.

This is very welcome news. I never thought ConnDOT would actually do anything, but I am happy they are at least seriously considering this. The concepts are much better than I was expecting from them as well. I was also interested to see the project limits extending into NY, including adding the third lane in each direction about 1/4 mile into NY. Hopefully, this will send NYSDOT a wake up call to add a third lane to I-684 at a bare minimum.

Also, there's a public meeting scheduled on June 16 for *gasp* a rebuild of the Waterbury Mixmaster

I wouldn't get my hopes up too much for this, since if everything goes perfect, we won't be seeing an interchange for at least another 20 years, and that is bound to get pushed back if it doesn't get cancelled altogether between now and then.

[Ted$8roadFan]

Would someone mind explaining why so much of I-84 between Southington and Newtown has an odd number of lanes?

Climbing lanes.

Thank you

Connecticut has done a better than average job in implementing climbing lanes.

Pfft.  I think I-84 is one of the most miserable drives in the country because of all the merging back and forth with the climbing lanes.  CT needs to "connect" them -- keep that extra lane until the next climb.

West of Hartford, yes. I-84 needs to be 6 lanes throughout the state. The state could add signage indicating the length of the lane.

[cockroachking]

Would someone mind explaining why so much of I-84 between Southington and Newtown has an odd number of lanes?

Climbing lanes.

Thank you

Connecticut has done a better than average job in implementing climbing lanes.

Pfft.  I think I-84 is one of the most miserable drives in the country because of all the merging back and forth with the climbing lanes.  CT needs to "connect" them -- keep that extra lane until the next climb.

West of Hartford, yes. I-84 needs to be 6 lanes throughout the state. The state could add signage indicating the length of the lane.

The lowest AADT I see between NY and Waterbury is 72100 between Exits 15 and 16, and I complain about I-84 being only 4 lanes at 42426 between Exits 52 and 58 in NY. No wonder why it is always abysmal.

[RobbieL2415]

Would someone mind explaining why so much of I-84 between Southington and Newtown has an odd number of lanes?

Climbing lanes.

Thank you

Connecticut has done a better than average job in implementing climbing lanes.

Pfft.  I think I-84 is one of the most miserable drives in the country because of all the merging back and forth with the climbing lanes.  CT needs to "connect" them -- keep that extra lane until the next climb.

West of Hartford, yes. I-84 needs to be 6 lanes throughout the state. The state could add signage indicating the length of the lane.

The lowest AADT I see between NY and Waterbury is 72100 between Exits 15 and 16, and I complain about I-84 being only 4 lanes at 42426 between Exits 52 and 58 in NY. No wonder why it is always abysmal.

Its bad in PA too.

[cockroachking]

Would someone mind explaining why so much of I-84 between Southington and Newtown has an odd number of lanes?

Climbing lanes.

Thank you

Connecticut has done a better than average job in implementing climbing lanes.

Pfft.  I think I-84 is one of the most miserable drives in the country because of all the merging back and forth with the climbing lanes.  CT needs to "connect" them -- keep that extra lane until the next climb.

West of Hartford, yes. I-84 needs to be 6 lanes throughout the state. The state could add signage indicating the length of the lane.

The lowest AADT I see between NY and Waterbury is 72100 between Exits 15 and 16, and I complain about I-84 being only 4 lanes at 42426 between Exits 52 and 58 in NY. No wonder why it is always abysmal.

Its bad in PA too.

Unless you are referring to the concurrency with I-380, or a completely different Interstate, I have a very hard time believing that.

[Ted$8roadFan]

Let's not forget that I-84 is a major route for trucks between New England and I-81, and for anyone else looking to avoid the hot mess of I-95 in the Northeast Corridor. I remember there once being a sign advising truck traffic heading to New England to follow I-84.........south of Hazleton, PA on I-81.

[74/171FAN]

Let's not forget that I-84 is a major route for trucks between New England and I-81, and for anyone else looking to avoid the hot mess of I-95 in the Northeast Corridor. I remember there once being a sign advising truck traffic heading to New England to follow I-84.........south of Hazleton, PA on I-81.

I think you are referring to this sign. 

[Rothman]

Let's not forget that I-84 is a major route for trucks between New England and I-81, and for anyone else looking to avoid the hot mess of I-95 in the Northeast Corridor. I remember there once being a sign advising truck traffic heading to New England to follow I-84.........south of Hazleton, PA on I-81.

My family drove to the rest of the country by taking I-84 to I-81 before it was cool.  Definitely better than going down to New Haven and through the City.

[connroadgeek]

I wouldn't get my hopes up too much for this, since if everything goes perfect, we won't be seeing an interchange for at least another 20 years, and that is bound to get pushed back if it doesn't get cancelled altogether between now and then.

They don't have a choice really. The latest rehab is probably the last rehab they can do given the age of what's there. They either replace the interchange, or they will be forced to replace the main structures and steel in situ which will cost almost as much as building a new interchange anyway.

[Ted$8roadFan]

Let's not forget that I-84 is a major route for trucks between New England and I-81, and for anyone else looking to avoid the hot mess of I-95 in the Northeast Corridor. I remember there once being a sign advising truck traffic heading to New England to follow I-84.........south of Hazleton, PA on I-81.

I think you are referring to this sign.

That's the one. Newer version.

[DrSmith]

Noticed that there are new sheet aluminum signs being installed for the exit ramps on I-91 in Enfield now.

For Exit 49 off I-91 north, there is a new 40 mph exit ramp speed sign then shortly after is a S-curve warning sign (W1-4) with a 40 mph advisory plaque. The S-curve warning sign is a little before the gore on the side of I-91.

Exit 47W off I-91 south had a new 25 mph ramp speed sign and then a sharp S-curve (W1-3) with a 25 mph advisory speed plaque again on the side of I-91 a little before the gore.

New large chevrons were also added on the ramps.

[shadyjay]

CT 9 progress report:

As of this week, new posts are going up to support new onramp signs... seen at (at least) existing Exits 2 & 3. 
Further north, the Exit 19 northbound onramp sign is up and features a much larger "9" numeral in the square shield.  Didn't get a picture, but that's hope for the present SNS (small numeral syndrome) of recent guide signs.

[RobbieL2415]

Noticed that there are new sheet aluminum signs being installed for the exit ramps on I-91 in Enfield now.

For Exit 49 off I-91 north, there is a new 40 mph exit ramp speed sign then shortly after is a S-curve warning sign (W1-4) with a 40 mph advisory plaque. The S-curve warning sign is a little before the gore on the side of I-91.

Exit 47W off I-91 south had a new 25 mph ramp speed sign and then a sharp S-curve (W1-3) with a 25 mph advisory speed plaque again on the side of I-91 a little before the gore.

New large chevrons were also added on the ramps.

Honestly the whole Exit 47 setup needs to be redone. The CT 190 freeway has been dead for decades and the oval ramps are very tight.

[shadyjay]

You could remove the north of 91 ramps at Exit 47 and improve the geometry of the south side ramps.  This would also give more merge/weave space between Exits 47 and 48. 

[RobbieL2415]

You could remove the north of 91 ramps at Exit 47 and improve the geometry of the south side ramps.  This would also give more merge/weave space between Exits 47 and 48.

I was thinking of moving some of the ramps south to Phoenix Ave.