State to Make Traffic Improvements Near Exit 59 on Route 15

The state is developing plans to improve Route 69 (Litchfield Turnpike) near the Exit 59 interchange with Route 15 in Woodbridge and New Haven, and it’s inviting the public to make suggestions and voice concerns about road improvements.

“Work is anticipated to include minor widening on Route 69 in both northbound and southbound directions and Route 15 exit ramps to alleviate delays and queue [vehicle line] lengths,” the Connecticut Department of Transportation said in a recent news release. “In addition, the plans propose to facilitate pedestrian movement with the installation of new sidewalks, ramps and crosswalks along Route 69, and on Route 69 at Route 63 intersection.

The changes won’t happen anytime soon — the department’s office of engineering is still developing a design, not expected to be completed until October 2017, with construction expected to start in the spring of 2018. Eighty percent of the funding is expected to come from the federal government, with the state picking up the rest of the tab.

“It is important that thecommunity share its concerns with us to assist in the project’s development,” the department said in the news release. “A public informational meeting will be conducted upon the completion of the preliminary design. At this time, it is not anticipated that a formal public hearing will be necessary.”

If you’d like to receive information on the project, contact William W. Britnell, principal engineer of highway design, at (860) 594-3274, or by e-mail at William.Britnell@ct.gov. Mention State Project Number 0092-0672.