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Main Street Closure Structure Replacement

Expect Traffic Limitations
Posted on: May 13, 2022 - 2:32pm
Main Street Closure Structure Replacement

East Hartford, CT - The Town of East Hartford will be conducting the Main Street Closure Structure Replacement project beginning on Monday, May 16, 2022. Construction is anticipated to be completed in August. Work will be done during daytime hours and during construction, traffic will be limited to one lane north-bound and one lane south-bound. Lanes will shift to one side of the opening and then flip when work needs to move to the other side of the structure. If possible please avoid the area during construction.  Be sure to slow down around the work zone and watch for changes in traffic patterns.

The project involves replacement of, and improvement to, the closure across Main Street (U.S. Route 5), which is located between the Dunkin' Donuts and the River Bend Funeral Home.  At that location, concrete flood wall extends from the earthen embankment to the edge of the sidewalk (orange section).  During high water events on the Connecticut and Hockanum Rivers, Main Street is closed and a closure is assembled across the road by the East Hartford Department of Public Works.

The Town of East Hartford is undertaking this project as part of its long-term program to upgrade and maintain the integrity of its flood control system that was initiated through the FEMA Levee Accreditation process. The Town has continued with this program to meet ongoing levee safety compliance standards of the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. GEI Consultants of Glastonbury, Connecticut is the designer for the project and they will provide inspection services during construction. The contractor is B&W Paving and Landscaping of Waterford, CT. 
 

View of closure - looking south

The project will include a new concrete pad across Main Street that vehicles will drive over daily.  During high water events, the Department of Public Works will access mounting points through hatches in the concrete pad.  In combination with lighter, metal closure panels, this project will improve the efficiency and safety of the closure operation.

Closure with logs in place

At all times, the Town will have the ability, should a high water event occur, to close the structure and protect residents and businesses in the area protected by the flood control system.