The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing nightly ramp closures this week and next on I-84 West in Newtown at Exits 9 and 10 that will bring paved and striped ramps, bridge decks, and travel lanes without exposed concrete foundation repairs once work is complete.

The Exit 9 on and off ramps will be closed nightly beginning on Monday, November 4, until Wednesday, November 6. The ramps will be closed each night beginning at 9 pm, and will reopen at 5 the following morning.

The Exit 10 ramps will be closed nightly beginning on Thursday, November 7, until the morning of Monday, November 11.

All closures are weather dependent. Detours will be put into place for each ramp closure.

State Representative Mitch Bolinsky announced the planned work on Sunday, November 3.

“What most folks do not see is the extensive work to upgrade drainage under and around our stretch of I-84 that will, ultimately, prevent future problems like the ones that undermined the roadway’s original concrete foundation in dozens of places,” Mr Bolinsky said via email. “Years of poor drainage and freeze/thaw necessitated these repairs and turned this into an unanticipated, lengthy inconvenience.

“Before I go further, I’d like to offer an apology to everyone who has been inconvenienced in this process and especially for the unreliability or lack of information about the extent and timing of the repairs,” the state rep continued.

“Communication issues with the contractor and DOT resulted in dissemination of updates that were, at best, inaccurate and, at worst, denied upon request. As taxpaying road users, we deserved better,” Mr Bolinsky stated.

A contractor began paving I-84 East in Newtown last week.

“DOT assures us this will be complete by the ‘end of November, at the latest,’” Mr Bolinsky stated. “All bare bridge decks will be temporarily paved and striped but will require additional work in 2020. The details of the 2020 work have not been provided, though requested repeatedly.”

The milled ramps will finally be paved and striped, also by the end of November, along with last-minute pre-winter prep and drainage work, ensuring water flow to catch basins to prevent icing, according to Mr Bolinsky. Details of remaining 2020 work have not been provided, he added

Residents who have legislative questions, concerns or comments are invited to contact Mr Bolinsky at 800-842-1423 or mitch.bolinsky@housegop.ct.gov.