State Representative Mitch Bolinsky has received, he said this week, “several inquiries into what’s taking so long to mill and resurface the I-84 mainline through western Newtown.”

In response, the state representative offered the following a brief update concerning I-84 in the area of Exit 9.

“Please understand that when the roadbed was exposed after milling, more extensive damage than originally anticipated was found in the highway’s concrete foundation,” Mr Bolinsky said. “Adding to the delay, bad weather and standing water held up the process of evaluating and engineering the underlying repair work required.”

In addition, Mr Bolinsky provided the following from the Department of Transportation’s District Construction Manager:

“The work at Exit 9 involves repair/replacement of the concrete roadway beneath the asphalt. Prior to repair of the concrete, the asphalt had to be stripped off to determine the location and extent of the repairs. An interim pavement riding surface was placed on mainline to provide a smooth surface during the repairs, but it was decided to not extend the interim pavement through the ramp areas during the concrete roadway repair. Unfortunately, due to the unusual amount of rain we experienced this spring and early summer, the contractor is a little behind schedule for this work. We expect the repairs and paving to be completed this construction season.”

The paving is part of work that began in February on the interstate. The work is part of DOT Project #0096-0200, which consists of bridge rehabilitations and safety improvements on Interstate 84 in Newtown. The construction is between Exit 9 and 10, both directions, and includes all ramps in that area.

Mr Bolinsky said that “appropriate updates will be provided as needed” if there are additional changes in the schedule.

The state representative can be reached at 800-842-1423 (toll free), 860-240-8700 (local), or mitch.bolinsky@housegop.ct.gov.