Gentile urges caution near Rt. 34 work in Derby

Crews start bridge repair

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, is stressing the importance of caution to motorists and commuters navigating on Route 34, Main Street in Derby.
The Department of Transportation has begun a major bridge repair over the Naugatuck River.

The project consists of the rehabilitation of the full length of the bridge, including replacement of the concrete deck, replacement of bridge bearings, sidewalk and lighting.
New fascia girders for a new sidewalk will also be installed. Bituminous pavement will be installed after deck repairs.

 “I am well aware of how much of an inconvenience this construction will be, especially on such a major thoroughfare, but I firmly believe that public safety must always take precedence over inconvenience,” Gentile said.
“Motorists can always adjust their travel plans, either by allowing for extra time or even considering an alternate route. But serious injury or loss of life or limb is a life-altering event.”

The project was awarded to Bloomfield-based Baier Construction Co., at a cost of $8,865,000 and is scheduled to be completed in November 2016.

Lane closures will consist of alternating one-lane traffic between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The contractor will be allowed to detour traffic during six occasions on week nights between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The dates of the detour will be provided two weeks in advance of closure.

More information is available at www.ct.gov/dot.


This is taken from a press release from Gentile's office.

Gentile, Crisco welcome bonding for 2 projects

O'Brien upgrades, Rt. 34 bridge rehab slated for funds 

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, and state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. D-Woodbridge, today welcomed the expected passage of a pair of items for Ansonia and Derby when the State Bond Commission meets Friday.  

     Emmett O'Brien Technical High School in Ansonia is set to receive $87,000 for technology upgrades and renovations and improvements to its buildings and grounds, tools and supplies necessary to update curricula.

     “I am thrilled with the funding allocated for Emmett O’Brien,” Gentile said. “These funds will improve the facilities at the technical high school, make learning easier for students and provide the technical education and skills needed to support local businesses and grow our economy.”

     Emmett O’Brien is located at 141 Prindle Ave., Ansonia. 
     The school offers programs in automotive mechanics, carpentry, culinary arts, electronics and machine drafting among others.

     In addition, a separate item on the bonding agenda sets aside $11 million for the rehabilitation of the Route 34 bridge over the Naugatuck River in Derby.  
    The bridge is at the intersection of Route 115 at the off-ramp of Route 8 at Exit 15.   The bridge will be widened slightly to accommodate a sidewalk. 
    Construction is anticipated to start in spring of 2014 and continue until the fall of 2015. 

     "I have long maintained that an investment in our state's vo/tech high school system is a sound investment in our future to yield a well-trained, experienced workforce in Connecticut, so I'm pleased about this funding for the Emmett O'Brien school in Ansonia," Crisco said. 
    "Likewise, I'm pleased about the planned infrastructure upgrades for the Naugatuck River bridge at the interchange of Routes 8, 34, and 115. We must suitably maintain our transportation network to efficiently move people and goods - the building blocks of a thriving economy - and that crossing is among the busiest in my entire district."

     The State Bond Commission is scheduled to meet at 10:30 a.m. Friday in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

This information was taken from a release from Gentile's office.