Construction Work On Route 74 Bridge In Tolland Set To Begin

TOLLAND, CT — The Connecticut Department of Transportation Thursday said that a project to replace the Route 74 bridge over the Skungamaug River is set to begin next week.

Day One of construction is set for Sept. 29

The project on what is officially DOT Bridge No. 01120, involves the construction temporary access roads for utility work and the installation of the pilings, DOT officials said.

The next portion of the project will consist of closing the bridge and implementing a detour to demolish the existing bridge.

Once the pilings are completed, new substructure components will be installed followed by the superstructure components, DOT officials said.

Final utility relocations will then occur, followed by membrane waterproofing on the bridge deck, pavement, and final applicable markings on the roadway, DOT officials said.

The work was awarded to ROTHA Contracting Company, Inc. at a cost of $4,779,424.50 on Aug. 16 and is scheduled to be completed on Aug. 8, 2024. The project is being administered by the DOT Bureau of Engineering and Construction, Office of Construction, District 1 in Rocky Hill.

DOT officials also set a lane closure schedule. Beginning on Sept. 29, motorists can expect one-way alternating traffic on Route 74 (Tolland Stage Road) and Skungamaug Road. The lane closures may occur Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A future road closure with an associated detour will commence as a part of the project, likely to be announced in the spring of 2024, DOT officials said.