Fairfield State Delegation Announces Public Information Meeting for DOT Centerline Rumble Strip Project in Town

Fairfield’s state delegation today announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) will hold a public information meeting in town on Thursday, Sept. 17.

The topic will be the proposed installation of centerline rumble strips on State and locally owned roads, and the meeting will take place at Burr Elementary School, 1960 Burr St. An open forum for individual discussions with DOT officials will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a formal presentation at 7 p.m.

The DOT says the project (State Project No. 170-3336) will cover approximately 150 miles of centerline rumble strips on bi-directional State roadways and approximately 50 miles of centerline rumble strips on locally owned roads. In Fairfield, the project locations are State Route 58 from Route 15 to Route 136, as well as Congress Street.

The rumble strips will alert drivers through noise and vibration should their vehicle veer off into an opposing lane of traffic. They are a proven safety countermeasure and will minimize the number of lane departure crashes, according to the DOT.

“We encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about this project and its potential to enhance public safety on our roads,” said the delegates – state Sen. Tony Hwang (R-28) and state Reps. Brenda Kupchick (R-132), Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-133) and Laura Devlin (R-134).

Construction is anticipated to begin in spring of 2016 based on the availability of funding. The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $2.2 million, according to the DOT, and this project is anticipated to be undertaken with 100% percent federal funds. Right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed project are not anticipated, according to the DOT.

The DOT says the public information meeting is being held to afford a full opportunity for public participation and to allow open discussion of any views and comments the community may have concerning this proposed project.

More detailed information is available at the Department’s Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike in Newington, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., excluding holidays. Project information is also available for review at the Town of Fairfield Engineering Office.

Anyone wishing to discuss the project may contact Barbara B. Ricozzi at (860) 594-2770 or by e-mail at [email protected].