Old Farms Road Bridge
Old Farms Bridge/Old Farms Road & Route 10 Intersection Improvements
February 4, 2019 Update:
Avon, CT – February 4, 2019 – Work on the bridge project is well underway! Initial efforts began on December 17th with the start of tree clearing and grubbing (removing stumps and roots). That work was completed in early January. Next, a team of archaeologists arrived and set up camp on the west side of the river – you may have noticed their white tents and staff working diligently on the project site. The team has been tasked with completing an archaeological survey of the area in accordance with the requirements of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Town staff has spoken with the head archaeologist who has indicated that the team would be willing to share their findings with the Town, residents or community groups if there is interest.
In the meantime the contractor has also been very busy with installation of the staging area on the west side of the site, the installation of the construction trailer off of Waterville Road, and the preparation of the staging areas on the east side of the river. Cofferdams are being installed to provide dry areas for the contractors to work in locations that would normally be wet. These installations are critical because there are several months in the springtime during which in-water work is restricted by the project’s environmental permits.
The contractor has also been diligently providing information to CT DOT for review and approval, including a final approved progress schedule. Residents should be aware that there will be a 2-3 week period during July 2019 that Old Farms Road and part of Tillotson Road will be closed to thru traffic. Once these dates are known, signs will be displayed indicating the actual closure dates.
The Town continues to coordinate very closely with the DOT on this project and will post updates on the Engineering Department’s “Projects” page on the Town’s website www.avonct.gov as they become available.
Please contact the Town’s Engineering Department at (860) 409-4322 with further questions.
Clearing and Grubbing work well underway (December 2018)
Cofferdam installation (near-side of photo) and Archaeological team set-up (far-side of photo) (January 2019)
December 14, 2018 Update:
Avon, CT – December 12, 2018 – Please be advised that the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) has recently selected Rotha Contracting Company, Inc. of Avon, CT as the Contractor for the state projects 04-116 and 04-118: “The Replacement of the Old Farms Road Bridge over the Farmington River”, and related Old Farms Road and Waterville Road intersection improvements.
Among other improvements, these projects will (1) replace the Old Farms Road Bridge with a new bridge located approximately 140 feet to the north (downstream) of its existing location; (2) raise the profile of Old Farms Road from the intersection of Waterville Road to just west of Tillotson Road in order to reduce the potential for future flood damage and road closure, and; (3) reconstruct the intersection of Old Farms Road and Waterville Road to include dedicated turning lanes, and to reduce the grade of Old Farms Road as it approaches the intersection, making it easier and safer to turn onto Waterville Road.
Recently, the DOT determined that this project will be fast tracked, with on-site work beginning earlier than initially projected and with all work being completed within two years of the start date, weather dependent. To that end, the DOT anticipates issuing a notice to proceed to the Contractor on December 17, 2018 and at that point it is likely that work will begin on site immediately. Preliminary work will include tree clearing, site work for utility relocation, and the delivery and staging of construction equipment, including a construction trailer. Drivers may experience temporary, localized delays during this work and over the winter.
The Town continues to coordinate very closely with the DOT on this project and will post updates on the Engineering Department’s “Projects” page on the Town’s website www.avonct.gov as they become available.
Please contact the Town’s Engineering Department at (860) 409-4322 with further questions.
September 21, 2017 Update - Public Information Meeting Information