Retaining walls along Pomfret St.bridge set to be replaced

PUTNAM — The Connecticut Department of Transportation is planning to replace the south retaining walls along of the Rt. 44 bridge.
The project will cost $10,030,000 and will be paid for with 80 percent federal funds and the remaining 20 percent state funds.
Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2026, based on the availability of funding, acquisition of rights-of-way and approval of permit(s).  
The DOT said “The purpose of the project is to replace a section of retaining wall that supports Route 44 in the town of Putnam to ensure the safety of the traveling public.  The existing rubble stone retaining wall has shown visual signs of deterioration.”
Proposed improvements to the wall include replacing approximately 270 feet of the existing wall that supports Route 44.  The improvement will also include approximately 500 feet of full-depth reconstruction adjacent to the retaining wall.  The proposed roadway cross-section will match the existing cross-section with 11-foot travel lanes and 4-foot shoulders in each direction, and a 5-foot concrete sidewalk.  Approximately 1,400 feet of sidewalk will be reconstructed to extend beyond the roadway construction limits due to the poor condition of adjoining sidewalk.  Roadside safety appurtenances atop the retaining wall will be upgraded to current design standards.
There are right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements.  The impacts include construction easements to complete the proposed improvements to the existing retaining wall.  A permanent maintenance easement will be granted to the State of Connecticut (State) for the maintenance of the retaining wall.  Rights to grade and construct driveway will also be required.
A Virtual Public Information Meeting for this project will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. https://portal.ct.gov/dotputnam0115-0122?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2QGorNanOriLiUaMXI_MqCj1lhwY5eKb2aMz_ZBtcjz6CJgrTFK5IajJo_aem_VET68_VVFZL7A4CN1aX34A#:~:text=to%20the%20webpage,20%25)%20State%20funds.

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