Farmington Bridge Project Requires $780K Land Deal First

FARMINGTON, CT — For locals hoping a third bridge over the Farmington River will be built to alleviate traffic congestion in the area, a public hearing Tuesday, Oct. 11, is a key step.

The Town of Farmington is taking action to purchase two properties that will serve as a staging area and site for what could be a massive bridge project in town.

On Sept. 13, the Farmington Town Council scheduled a public hearing for the purchase of two parcels of property seen as necessary for the bridge to be built.

One property up for purchase is 0.37 acres owned by Kathleen Binkowski at 1535 Farmington Ave. and the other is for 1.09 acres owned by Patrick J. Murray at 1541 Farmington Ave.

Farmington Avenue is also known as Route 4 in Farmington.

The hearing will take place Oct. 11 at 7:05 p.m. in the Farmington Town Hall Council Chambers room.

The total cost to Farmington is expected to be about $780,000.

Following an executive session that night to discuss land purchase strategies, Farmington Town Manager Kathleen Blonski explained taking those sites by eminent domain could take longer and agreeing to a deal means work could begin quicker.

Earlier in the Sept. 13 Farmington council meeting, the board accepted a report on the project from the Capital Region Council of Governments and SLR Consulting.

The report — dubbed the "Route 4 Connectivity Study" — discusses what is called the "third bridge project," namely a third bridge in Farmington that would span the Farmington River and connect New Britain Avenue with Route 4.

According to meeting minutes, the overview included decreased traffic volume in both Unionville and Farmington, designated turning lanes, river access and statements the project is both locally and regionally beneficial.

Funding and project designs for the third bridge have yet to be finalized, but according to the latest data submitted to councilmen, the cost could be anywhere from $35 million to $50 million for the bridge.

According to a "frequently asked questions" worksheet give to the council, Farmington's share would be, at most, 20 percent, with the state and federal governments funding the rest.

Once bids are complete and a contract awarded, the bridge project would take about two years to finish, according to town officials.

Construction would start on the new bridge about two or three years after funding is secured, so a completed bridge could be a few years away.

Prior to any shovels hitting the ground, the state and town will conduct multiple public forums to inform residents about project developments.

For the minutes of the Sept. 13 Farmington Town Council meeting, click on this link.

To watch the Sept. 13 Farmington Town Council meeting, click on this link.