Bridge rehab nearing final stage

DOT eyes spring 2022 completion

MIDDLETOWN — The second phase of the state’s $46 million rehabilitation of the Arrigoni Bridge and approach spans is expected to be wrapped up by early next month, paving the way for the third stage of construction.

According to the state Department of Transportation, nearly 34,000 vehicles each day cross the 84-year-old structure, which spans the Connecticut River between Middletown and Portland. The project was initiated a year ago.

The final stage will move traffic to the north side of the structure to allow the replacement of the south side decks and sidewalk, according to the DOT. The entire project is anticipated to be done in spring 2022.

Phase 3 is on track to begin in early April, according to Plantsville-based Mohawk Northeast construction project manager Tim O’Connell.

Concrete decking has been removed from the Portland Bridge, as it’s known locally, and the installation of rebar, as well as joint repair and “floor work,” is underway, said O’Connell, speaking at the recent online Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Central Business Bureau meeting.

“We’re below the bridge, doing steel repairs, some strengthening of the existing steel structure,” as well as paint removal, he said. “You’ll probably hear some needlegun scalers hitting the bridge. It’s all routine maintenance.”

Preparation for the pouring of new concrete will take place once the weather is more favorable, DOT Arrigoni Bridge Project Engineer Mike Bugbee said.

The work was broken down into separate projects: $3.25 million for adding four more lanes to the roadway that leads to the structure and into Portland, and $43 million worth of repairs. The state estimated the project will be

complete in spring 2022.

As for work in the North Main Street and downtown areas, signals now are installed at the intersections of Washington, Grand and Main streets and Rapallo Avenue, Bugbee said.

The finishing touches are being put on road work near the Route 9 north and south exits along Hartford Avenue (Route 17), which becomes Saint John’s Square at its intersection with Main Street (Route 66). That includes downtown intersections, O’Connell said.

Masthead lights and poles already are in place, and an electrician is installing the traffic control system at the intersections.

Bike ramps will be in place come spring, O’Connell said.

Next up is the patching of holes in the sidewalks where older traffic lights were removed, Bugbee said. That work is weather-dependent. “The impact should be minimal at this point,” he said of the work.

Cassandra Day / Hearst Connecticut Media The Arrigoni Bridge spans the Connecticut River, joining the town of Portland with the city of Middletown. Here, motorists exit the bridge heading toward Portland.