State Rep Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) offered a number of updates on significant state transportation projects in Newtown in a recent release from his Statehouse office:

1. The traffic light activation on Route 34 at Bennett’s Bridge Road and Grays Plain Road.

“At long last, this very dangerous Sandy Hook intersection is only days away from the activation of a new traffic control device,” said Bolinsky. “Known for terrible sight lines and fast-moving traffic on Rt 34, it will be a welcome change for anyone who drives here on a regular basis.”

The new traffic signals and overhead traffic detectors are now in place to make this an “intelligent” intersection. Once powered up, the new signal heads will go active and the existing flashing light will go dark and be removed.

2. Reconfiguration of the area around I-84, Exit 11.

“You have, no doubt, seen significant, recent changes to the Berkshire Road area between Toddy Hill Road and the I-84 overpasses,” said Bolinsky. “Many of you have contacted me to get the lowdown. Simply put, this is the beginning of the state’s portion of what may be the most significant traffic flow, safety, and congestion-relief project for Newtown in decades.”

Significant improvements to the area of Wasserman Way, Berkshire Road (Rt 34), and the area around and feeding Newtown High School will reduce volume by as much as 60% in the Wasserman/Berkshire intersection by creating direct access to I-84 from northbound Connecticut Route 34 and the area fed by Toddy Hill Road.

The work is in process now and is expected to conclude on or before March 02, 2024, with very little impact to existing traffic since most improvements are additions, and road work has been directed to not interfere with traffic Monday through Friday between 6 am and 8 pm.

“This project will create a noticeable, positive impact on the entire exit 11 area,” Bolinsky said. “From improved sight-lines to dedicated turn-lanes, greater safety and far less congestion, once complete, up to 60% of peak traffic flowing north from points south on Route 34, as far as New Haven, will no longer enter the Wasserman Way, Route 34, and existing Exit 11 confluence.”

3. Rochambeau Bridge span replacement.

This project is still ahead of schedule. The new westbound span is expected to be open to traffic during the week of January 3, 2022. Preparation for the second phase traffic shift to facilitate removal and replacement of the eastbound span begins in the Spring of 2022. The new, temporary crossover being installed to make way for the eastbound closure will be engineered to have better vision, be safer, more user-friendly, and easier to navigate than the one being removed, hopefully minimizing the slowdowns of the original.

The entire Rochambeau replacement project is expected to be complete by December 2023.

To contact Bolinsky with any questions about this issue or concerns on any other topics relating to state government, he may be reached at Mitch.Bolinsky@housegop.ct.gov or at 800-842-1423.