CTDOT Planning $3 million replacement Of Route 30 Bridge Over Grants Brook in Tolland

TOLLAND, CT — The Connecticut Department of Transportation is planning a $3 million project to replace the Route 30 bridge over Grants Brook in Tolland, with construction potentially beginning in spring 2030.

The project, identified as State Project No. 0142-0153, calls for replacing Bridge No. 02245, which carries Route 30 over Grants Brook.

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CTDOT said the existing bridge has exceeded its design lifespan.

Said the DOT:

"The existing structure, constructed in 1928, is a short-span concrete crossing consisting of a single span reinforced cast-in-place concrete deck supported on concrete abutments and wing walls with concrete parapets. It is supported on concrete foundations that have been exposed. The structure has an overall length of approximately 11 feet and a maximum span of approximately 8 feet. Route 30 over the crossing has a curb-to-curb width of 32 feet 2 inches, consisting of two travel lanes and shoulders. The total deck width is 34 feet 9 inches and the Average Daily Traffic (ADT) is approximately 6,200 vehicles per day (2023 CTDOT Traffic Log). Bridge No. 02245 exhibits significant deterioration of the deck, superstructure, and substructure. The concrete deck is covered by a bituminous overlay; however, the underlying slab exhibits cracking and areas of significant efflorescence, particularly near the expansion joint. Both abutments exhibit full-height vertical cracking along their centerlines and show signs of misalignment. The wingwalls are in more severe condition, and one wingwall has rotated outward by more than 2 inches. Overall, the concrete elements exhibit widespread deterioration, including scaling, cracking, efflorescence, and localized hollow areas. The channel alignment remains stable, with evidence of minor upstream scour and minor erosion both upstream and downstream. Light timber debris was observed within the channel. The project site lies within the Hockanum River regional basin (4500). The project site is not located within an aquifer protection area or FEMA floodplain area."

The replacement structure is expected to provide a service life consistent with CTDOT and Federal Highway Administration design standards.

Right-of-way impacts are anticipated as part of the project, according to CTDOT.

CTDOT will hold a virtual public informational meeting about the project at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, on Zoom.

Registration is required. The meeting will include a presentation about the project followed immediately by a question-and-answer session. The meeting will be recorded.

Residents can access the meeting through the CTDOT Zoom meeting.

The public will have two weeks after the meeting to submit comments and questions, with comments due by Sept. 29.

Comments can be submitted by email to or by calling 860-594-2020.

Residents can also contact Brianna R. Ritacco at or 860-594-3205.

CTDOT asks residents to reference State Project No. 0142-0153 when submitting comments or leaving a voicemail.

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2030, although the schedule is dependent on funding, right-of-way acquisition and permitting.

The estimated $3 million project will be funded with 80 percent federal funds and 20 percent state funds.

CTDOT has posted project materials, including a location map, project description and public notice, for residents to review before the meeting.