Public Information Meeting on Replacement of Bridge Carrying Route 178 over Wash Brook in Bloomfield

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will conduct a public information meeting concerning the replacement of Bridge No. 01488 carrying Route 178 over Wash Brook in Bloomfield on Thursday, December 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

The meeting will be held at the Alvin & Beatrice Wood Human Services Center, located at 330 Park Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002. The meeting location is ADA accessible. In the event of inclement weather, this meeting will be held on Thursday, January 7 at the same location and time.

The public information meeting is being held to provide the public and local community with the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the proposed project. A question and answer (Q&A) session will immediately follow the presentation, which will be recorded. For more project information and ways to provide comments and ask questions, please visit portal.ct.gov/DOTBloomfield0011-0161.

"This project will replace the existing 100-year-old bridge with a new structure that meets all of the hydraulic and geometric requirements, and improves safety for all roadway users," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Project Manager Ken-Taro Plude. "We encourage the public to attend this meeting to share their feedback with the CTDOT project team to incorporate into the design."

In addition to the bridge replacement, Route 178, within the project limits, will be raised approximately 4 feet to meet hydraulic requirements.

There are right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements. The project will require various temporary construction easements to provide access to the adjacent properties during construction. Additionally, permanent easements may be necessary for proposed grading to accommodate the increased vertical alignment of Route 178.

Construction is anticipated to begin spring 2029, based on the availability of funding, acquisition of right(s) of way, and approval of permit(s). The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $10.3 million with 80% federal funds and 20% state funds.

The project will result in temporary traffic impacts during construction, and detailed information will be shared at the meeting. Travelers will be informed about anticipated temporary lane closures and traffic detours, as well as traffic safety measures.

Individuals with hearing and/or speech disabilities can dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Individuals may also request that project information be mailed to them within one week by contacting Ken-Taro Plude at [email protected] or 860-594-3343.

Language assistance may be requested by contacting the CTDOT Language Assistance Call Line 860-594-2109. Requests should be made at least five business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.

Members of the public can submit comments and questions during the two-week public comment period following the meeting. Please submit comments and questions by December 31, 2026, to [email protected], 860-594-2020, or Ken-Taro Plude at [email protected] or 860-594-3343.

Please reference Project No. 0011-0161 in the email or voicemail.