PLAINVILLE, CT — With final designs approved, construction is now underway on the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (CTDOT) design-build rehabilitation of four bridges carrying Route 72 over various features through Plainville and New Britain, Connecticut. VHB is the lead designer for this project in partnership with Manafort Brothers Incorporated (MBI).
The project will replace two bridge superstructures and make repairs and modifications to extend the service life of all four bridges. VHB is providing integrated services for the project, including structural design, highway design, traffic management, safety, lighting, and intelligent transportation systems. VHB’s expedited design process has increased efficiency and reduced schedule and construction risks. The team developed 11 Early Release for Construction (ERC) packages, and CTDOT has approved the ERCs and Release for Construction packages for three bridge site locations. MBI is currently in Stage I of the construction phasing, having completed demolition for this phase, and is preparing the existing bridges for construction of the new superstructures. VHB is in full construction support mode and is coordinating daily with MBI to deliver this project. Route 72 is a key transportation artery that connects the communities of New Britain and Plainville to Hartford and beyond. The expressway and its bridges play a vital role in providing mobility for local communities, businesses, schools, and state colleges.
