House Republican Press Release

March 31, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Gov. Rell, Rep. Bacchiochi: $1.3 million Approved for Intersection Improvement Projects in Somers

The State Bond Commission has approved funding in the amount of $1.3 million for two long-awaited intersection improvement projects in Somers, Governor M. Jodi Rell and state Representative Penny Bacchiochi, R-52^nd District, said today.

Funding for the improvements was included in a $26,500,000 allocation to finance a comprehensive package of state transportation projects for 2006 approved by the Bond Commission at its regular monthly meeting today.

“These projects, part of the bold transportation initiative I unveiled last year, will improve traffic flow at key locations across the state as well as help prepare for future major construction,” Governor Rell said. “These initiatives are part of an integrated plan to improve mobility throughout the state that is unparalleled in our state history.”

“The upgrades this funding will make possible will improve traffic flow and safety at two busy intersections in Somers,” Representative Bacchiochi said. "I want to thank our Somers Town Planner, Patrice Carson, for her on-going hard work and diligence. Patrice did the leg-work to get these grants, and I'm excited to see that these important construction projects will be getting underway soon. Each of them will address important safety concerns that affect both Somers residents and out of town motorists. I’d also like to thank Governor Rell and the Bond Commission for supporting these critical local projects.”

The Somers projects include:

• The realignment of Route 83 in the vicinity of Parker Road to improve the line of sight in the area. The existing curve through the intersection with Parker Road will be flattened and Parker Road will be realigned to intersect Route 83 with a less skewed angle.  A bypass shoulder will be provided along Route 83, in the southbound direction, at Parker Road.  The vertical profile of Route 83 will also be lowered to provide adequate stopping sight distances.  The intersection sight distances from Parker Road will be improved by clearing the line of sight in both directions.  Drainage improvements will also be installed as needed. 
• Improvements to the intersection of Route 190 and Gulf /Turnpike Road (Route 528). The shoulders on Route 190 will be widened through the intersection, to provide a safe deceleration area for vehicles turning right at the intersection from Route 190.  The slopes along Route 190 will be cut back to provide better intersection sight distances.  The intersection also will be modified to improve turning movements and drainage will be installed and connected to the existing system. The "flashing caution beacon" at the intersection will be left in place.

The projects are expected to be completed in September of 2008, Representative Bacchiochi said.