Southington Sends Massive Road Project To Voters

SOUTHINGTON, CT — When Southington heads to the polls to elect a president this November, it will have maximum turnout to decide a massive road renovation project as well.

The Southington Town Council voted 8-0 March 11 to approve a $15 million, bonded appropriation to embark on a large road project to rehab several local roadways in need of work.

Ultimately, however, the voters will have the final say and that will be done at the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

If approved, the town would borrow $15 million to fix some of the town's most damaged and aged roadways, with work taking place over four years.

At a public hearing on Monday, March 11, Southington Public Works Director Annette Turnquist outlined what needs to be done and why.

During her presentation, Turnquist said the town's DPW is looking to use what is called "Cape Seal" on the roads.

She said this is a rubber chip seal that goes over the top of the pavement and is seen as being durable and smooth.

Turnquist said it has an expected life of 10 years and is inexpensive to repair if drainage or utility repairs are required on a local road.

With minimal public input on the road project, the council closed the hearing before voting on the matter later.

So far, both the Southington Planning and Zoning Commission and the Southington Board of Finance have supported the appropriation, leaving the project's fate up to the voters.

Work is expected to begin later this year if approved and continue through 2027, with the project targeting the town's worst roads first.

For the minutes of the March 11 Southington Town Council meeting, as well as documents related to the road project, click on this link.