by Staff Report CTNewsJunkie
HARTFORD, CT — Eight of Connecticut’s small towns will receive a total of $10 million in state funding through the Transportation Rural Improvement Program. The program, administered through the Department of Transportation, is designed to support rural communities.
“Connecticut’s rural communities are often shut out of many federal programs because of their size or density, and the state’s TRIP program fixes that problem,” Gov. Ned Lamont said Monday. “Our smaller towns are one of the many things that make Connecticut such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. More importantly, these state grants will not only strengthen transportation but help to ensure our communities remain safe and connected for future generations.”
Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said the program helps rural communities deliver important safety improvement projects that may otherwise have been shelved due to a lack of funding.
“No matter the population size, Connecticut’s municipalities deserve to have access to funding and programs that can improve safety and mobility,” he said.
The eight selected projects are:
- Barkhamsted ($1.07 million) – Repaving and infrastructure enhancement of West River Road, a 4.04-mile scenic road running along the West Branch of the Farmington River. The road is a vital corridor through the American Legion State Forest and passes the Austin Hawes State Campground connecting the Pleasant Valley section of town to the historic Village of Riverton.
- Bethlehem ($2 million) – Paving, drainage, and safety improvements for the 1.6- mile Flanders Road. This roadway provides connectivity between Route 6 in Woodbury and Route 61 in Bethlehem, linking the two town centers.
- Bolton ($1.4 million) – Replacement of Lyman Road Bridge, including replacing the existing twin 6’ diameter asphalt coated corrugated metal pipe culverts with an 18’ clear span by 6’ rise precast concrete box culvert. The roadway connects several neighborhoods to neighboring towns, access to Gay City State Park, shopping and entertainment for a significant area of Bolton.
- Burlington ($1.5 million) – Roadway Improvements on West Chippen Road, including full-depth reconstruction of the roadway and drainage improvements, which will make conditions safer for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. In the vicinity of the project area are the Session Woods Wildlife Management Area and the Tunxis Trail hiking area. Additionally, the roadway provides an alternate travel route from Bristol to Burlington.
- Columbia ($1.4 million) – Thompson Hill Road Bridge over Clark Brook, including replacing the 5’ diameter precast concrete culvert with a three-sided, 18’ clear span concrete frame that will address frequent flooding and road damage caused by inadequate drainage. The new culvert will improve water flow, reduce the risk of flooding, and enhance the durability and safety of the roadway. Thompson Hill Road serves as a critical connector between two major state routes, Route 6 and Route 66, ensuring efficient transportation for residents, commuters, and businesses.
- Goshen ($1.5 million) – West Hyerdale Drive Bridge rehabilitation over the Marshapaug River, including lining four existing corrugated metal pipe culverts, extending the life of the bridge for an estimated 75 years. The roadway connects neighborhoods together and provides the shortest route for both emergency vehicles and the public to access to the town center.
- Litchfield ($968,000) — Roadway improvements on Campville Road, including full-depth reconstruction of the roadway and drainage improvements, which will make conditions safer for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. This roadway is a link between Route 8 and Route 254 and provides access from Route 8 to facilities such as Humaston Brook State Park, Northfield Brook Lake Park, and Topsmead State Forest.
- Marlborough ($341,000) – Constructing more than 300 feet of sidewalk and a crosswalk on Lake Road, as well as providing upgrades to existing crossing technology on North Main Street. Construction of this segment of the sidewalk completes the interconnection between Blish Park and the Elmer Thienes/Mary Hall Elementary School passing through the town center.
The TRIP program was established in 2022 and is fully supported by state funding. The first round of awards was announced in January 2024, with $9 million in grants issued. Future TRIP grant opportunities will be announced later this year, pending funding availability.
For more information on the program, visit portal.ct.gov/dot/programs/trip.