Route 140 Bridge Finally Re-Opens In Ellington

ELLINGTON, CT — After four months of reconstruction involving lengthy detours for motorists, the bridge over Charters Brook on Route 140 re-opened to traffic Thursday morning.

In late spring, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a section of Route 140 in Ellington, also known as Crystal Lake Road, would be detoured from Route 30 to the intersection of Webster Road. The project consisted of bridge rehabilitation and full depth roadway construction on Route 140, and sightline improvements at Webster Road at the intersection of 140.

Work began on June 21, and was originally slated to be completed by Aug. 16. However, the DOT told Ellington officials in mid-August, "There have been unforeseen delays with this project; during the removal of the old structure, existing wood piles and a larger concrete footing were discovered which needed to be removed prior to continuing the originally-planned work. The State of CT DOT has informed us that they are estimating a worst-case scenario of a mid-September opening."

On Sept. 23, the DOT announced another delay, assuring residents the work would be completed by Oct. 30.

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