Nineteen bridges are being rehabilitated as part of a bridge deck improvement project on I-384 in Manchester and Bolton, Conn. Initiated by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), the project is focused on extending the service life of these structures by removing the existing wearing surface, repairing the concrete deck (both full-depth and partial-depth as needed), applying membrane waterproofing, and installing a new asphalt overlay.

According to CTDOT spokesperson Eva Zymaris, the effort is a "proactive project to ensure the infrastructure remains in a state of good repair."

CTDOT is responsible for inspecting 5,513 roadway bridges statewide, including 1,823 National Bridge Inventory (NBI) structures on the National Highway System (NHS). Of these, 4,004 bridges are maintained by the state, while the remaining 1,509 fall under local or other jurisdictions.

Currently, 151 state-maintained bridges are rated in poor condition. The average NHS-NBI bridge in Connecticut is 55 years old—nine years older than the national average of 46 years. Additionally, 7.4 percent of the state's bridges (by deck area) are classified as poor, exceeding the national average, while 79 percent are rated in fair condition.

The project, designated 0076-0227 and located in District 1, includes rehabilitation of the following structures:

• Bridge 03574 – State Road 502 over I-384

• Bridge 03575 – Hillstown Road over I-384

• Bridge 03576 – I-384 westbound over Bidwell Street

• Bridge 03577 – I-384 eastbound over Bidwell Street

• Bridge 03578 – Keeney Street over I-384

• Bridge 03580 – Prospect Street over I-384

• Bridge 03582 – South Main Street over I-384

• Bridge 03588 – I-384 eastbound over Greenway (pedestrian traffic)

• Bridge 03589 – I-384 westbound over Greenway (pedestrian traffic)

• Bridge 03590 – Garner Street over I-384

• Bridge 03591 – I-384 westbound over Birch Mountain Brook

• Bridge 03592 – I-384 eastbound over Birch Mountain Brook

• Bridge 03593 – Wyllys Street over I-384

• Bridge 03594 – I-384 westbound over State Road 534

• Bridge 03595 – I-384 eastbound over State Road 534 (three lanes)

• Bridge 03596 – I-384 eastbound over Finley Street

• Bridge 03597 – I-384 westbound over Finley Street

• Bridge 03598 – Route 85 over I-384

• Bridge 00485 – Route 6 westbound to I-384 over the I-384 ramp to Route 44

The $17.3 million project, funded through a combination of state and federal sources, was awarded to Southington-based contractor Mohawk Northeast on Dec. 5, 2024. Construction began in spring 2025 and is scheduled for completion on Nov. 30, 2026. The contract includes a penalty of $3,000 per day for delays beyond the agreed completion date.

Crews averaging 30 workers per day are operating seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with adjustments as needed for weather or unforeseen conditions. Lane closures are in effect along I-384 and on several state and local roads. Flaggers and uniformed police officers are present to guide traffic safely through the work zones.

Zymaris emphasized the importance of driver awareness: "We're reminding the public of the important role they play in keeping themselves and our workers safe. When approaching work zones, please slow down, move over, remain vigilant, eliminate distractions, and always drive sober. These actions save lives."

Initial construction activities included clearing and grubbing, excavation, water pollution control, pavement cutting, and subgrade preparation. Under the supervision of subcontractor A&J Construction, Island Pavement Cutting Co. Inc. crews utilized equipment such as road milling machines, asphalt pavers, triaxle dump trucks, and truck-mounted attenuators.

Materials used in the rehabilitation process include concrete, reinforcing steel (rebar), elastomeric membrane waterproofing, and bituminous concrete. Removed materials are transported off-site for recycling. Concrete for deck patching and surface repairs is mixed on-site using a Zim-Mixer.

In addition to the bridge work, a separate $7.4 million project is underway on I-384 to replace highway signs and supports, including updates to exit numbering to meet federal standards. Similar work is also being performed on I-291, with both projects expected to be completed later this year.