Land Purchase For Bridge Project Clears Farmington PZC

FARMINGTON, CT — The town's zoning board Monday unanimously approved the town purchase for $780,000 two parcels that will be a jumping off point for a massive bridge project over the Farmington River.

Technically, the action approved by the Farmington Plan and Zoning Commission Monday was an "8-24 referral" to the Farmington Town Council, something needed by town officials should it move forward, as expected, with the land deal.

At Monday's PZC meeting, Farmington Director of Public Works/Town Engineer Russ Arnold briefed the board about the particulars of the possible land deal.

He said the town has been working with the property owners on Route 4, near the river, and both parties are in support of the plan.

Arnold said the area where the so-called "Third Bridge Project" will go is the narrowest point of the river and it would ease traffic congestion in two prominent downtown areas.

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.

The two properties are expected to serve as a staging area and site for the bridge project, which would span the Farmington River and connect New Britain Avenue with Route 4.

Farmington Avenue is also known as Route 4 in Farmington.

After a public hearing Oct. 11, the Farmington Town Council unanimously approved recommending the land purchase to the PZC, which discussed and voted on the measure Monday.

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.

When 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 Oct. 24 Farmington Plan and Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

From Oct. 25: 'Farmington Council Gives Nod On Land Deal For Bridge'