Matt Lesser

Sen. Lesser Welcomes State Investment
for Vital Middletown-Portland Bridge and Route 9 Project

HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) welcomed news that the State Bond Commission is to release tens of millions of dollars in funding for repairs to a vital bridge that connects Middletown and Portland. Repairs to the Charles J. Arrigoni Bridge, which carries Route 66 over the Connecticut River, will ensure transportation over the key connector will not be compromised. Additional funds will also be allocated to cover traffic signal removal on Route 9 in Middletown.

“This major investment in the Arrigoni Bridge is important to protecting the safety of pedestrians, motorists and the public,” said Sen. Lesser. “It includes important security upgrades that will save lives. And I’m happy to see Governor Lamont move forward by renewing the commitment to fixing the traffic lights on Route 9 –the funding approved today will keep DOT working on a solution that works for Middletown and the state as a whole. I am appreciative of the strong support of Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission.”

With a total cost of $46.8 million, $39.4 million coming from the state, the phase 2 replacement of the Arrigoni Bridge from Middletown to Portland will involve the bridge’s approach spans, which are deteriorating. The work will additionally assist with repairs to sidewalk and pedestrian railing deficiencies to better support integrity of the deck.

Additionally, Phase 2 of the Arrigoni Bridge project in Middletown will include installation of a protective fence on both sides of the bridge. The entire length of the fence will be a minimum of eight feet above the walkway.

The Arrigoni Bridge, built between 1936 and 1938, was the largest and most expensive bridge in the state at the time of its completion. The Phase 2 design will utilize state-of-the-art technology to improve the safety and reliability of this historic 79-year-old bridge.

This request was made by the Fix it First Bridge Program (FIF). The FIF Program provides rehabilitation, reconstruction, repair, or replacement of bridges on the state highway system. This repair is for bridges which have been identified as being in fair or poor condition where funds are not otherwise available.

Additionally, $2 million has been allocated to cover design activities and coordination for a traffic signal removal project on Route 9 in Middletown.