Roundabout Construction Set to Begin In Stafford

STAFFORD, CT — Construction work on a new roundabout at the junction of Routes 190 and 319 is slated to begin Monday, according to the Connecticut Department of Transportation. The work is expected to cause traffic disruption on both state routes.

A DOT report dated July 15, 2019 indicates, "Currently the roads meet at a skewed 'Y'-intersection whose geometry creates poor sight lines for drivers. This has resulted in a high number of stop sign violations and crash incidences."

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The project consists of the replacement of the existing intersection with a modern roundabout which will include raised splitter islands, a landscaped raised center island and improved roadway alignments and grades. The existing bridge and culverts carrying West Stafford Brook will be replaced with two precast concrete culverts, according to the DOT.

Last month, site work for the roundabout, which will be 170 feet in diameter, began with demolition of the former Chelle's Place restaurant building. The state also acquired 11 other full or partial pieces of property, including the manmade pond adjacent to the former Craig's Auto Repair shop. "The entire pond will be drained and backfilled in order to provide solid ground for the new intersection," according to a DOT report.

During construction, traffic on Route 190 will be disrupted Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. On Route 319, "the contractor will be allowed to interfere with traffic as required and there are no hourly restrictions. The contractor will also be allowed to close and detour Route 319 for a period of six consecutive weeks during construction," according to the DOT.

On March 13, the project was awarded to the Enfield-based Spazzarini Construction Company, Inc. at a cost of $3,662,918.05. Work is scheduled to be completed by Sept. 3, 2021.