The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is preparing to replace a bridge on Route 44 in Salisbury. The current structure, built in 1951, is a single-span steel multi-girder bridge measuring 41 feet in length and 51 feet in width, with a roadway width of 46 feet including an eight-foot sidewalk on the south side. According to recent data, the bridge handles an average daily traffic of approximately 7,400 vehicles, with trucks making up seven percent of this traffic.
The Bridge Inspection Report from 2024 indicates that both the deck and superstructure are in poor condition, rated at level four. The substructure is rated slightly better at level five but still shows significant issues such as extensive section loss on the girders and notable cracking with areas of efflorescence. Furthermore, the Load Rating report for 2024 reveals that the bridge has a rating factor below one for certain permit and emergency vehicles.
CTDOT plans to complete the design phase by October 2027, with construction expected to begin in spring 2028. This timeline depends on project approval, funding availability, and obtaining necessary right-of-way and environmental permits. The project will be funded by eighty percent federal funds and twenty percent state funds.
CTDOT emphasizes its commitment to keeping the public informed and involved throughout such projects. Community input is considered vital for project development. A public informational meeting will be held once preliminary designs are completed.
For questions or comments regarding this project, individuals can contact Andrew Cardinali, Principal Engineer, at (860)594-3315 or via email at Andrew.Cardinali@ct.gov. Reference should be made to State Project No.0121-0137.
