State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Portland) announced today that the State Bond Commission agreed Wednesday to release tens of millions of dollars in funding for repairs to a vital bridge that connects Middletown and Portland. These repairs to the Arrigoni Bridge, which carries Route 66 traffic over the Connecticut River, will ensure transportation over the enormously critical transportation asset will not be compromised.
“This bridge is vital for transportation through our region,” said Sen. Needleman. “The Arrigoni Bridge sees more than 30,000 drivers per day and is more than 80 years old, with a deck that has seen section loss and reduced carrying capacity. This funding will keep the bridge in good condition for up to two additional decades. I welcome this new funding and thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support of the 33rd District.”
With a total cost of $46.8 million, $39.4 million of that total coming from the state, the phase 2 replacement of the Arrigoni Bridge from Middletown to Portland will involve the bridge’s deteriorating approach spans. 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.