Farmington Council Finalizes One Step Of Many Toward Bridge Project

FARMINGTON, CT — A major step toward a massive bridge project that could calm traffic in town has been approved by Farmington's top elected board.

The Farmington Town Council voted unanimously last month to officially purchase two parcels of land that would serve as a jumping off point for a major bridge project that would span the Farmington River.

The total taxpayer price tag is $780,000, with the cost split between two property owners at the river.

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 will serve as a staging area and site for what is being called the "third bridge project," a third bridge in Farmington that would span the Farmington River and connect New Britain Avenue with Route 4.

Farmington Avenue is also known as Route 4 in Farmington.

The 1535 Farmington Ave. site would cost the town $510,000 while the 1541 site would cost $250,000.

According to town officials, the total appraised value of the properties is $760,000.

The figures were ironed out earlier this year between the town and the property owners, avoiding a potentially messy situation of the town acquiring the land by eminent domain.

By agreeing to a deal, the town is able to get to work quicker toward the massive project and the council vote represents the final action on this particular step toward a new bridge.

Prior to the Nov. 15 final council vote, the council in October hosted a public hearing and voted Oct. 11 to send the matter to the Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission.

On Oct. 24, the PZC unanimously approved the land purchase, sending it back to the council for a final vote.

Work toward a new bridge is far from finished, with several town actions required in coming months.

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.

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

For the minutes of the Nov. 15 Farmington Town Council meeting, click on this link.

For details on the two parcels and what was approved, click on this link and scroll to Page 9.