Funding Released For Major Project On Cut-Through Road Between Routes 6 and 66

COLUMBIA, CT — Governor Ned Lamont and Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto this week announced that $10 million in state funding is being awarded to eight rural communities through the Transportation Rural Improvement Program and the awards include funding for a major overhaul on a cut-through road between two traffic arteries in eastern Connecticut.

TRIP is a state grant program administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation that is designed to support the state's rural communities, which are often ineligible for many federal transportation programs.

"Connecticut’s rural communities are often shut out of many federal programs because of their size or density, and the state’s TRIP program fixes that problem," Lamont said.

In the case of Columbia, it's flooding along a key road.

The project to fix the Thompson Hill Road Bridge over Clarks Brook is to receive $1,479,899.

The project includes replacing the 5-inch diameter precast concrete culvert with a three sided, 18-inch clear span concrete frame that will address frequent flooding and road damage caused by inadequate drainage.

The new culvert is designed to improve water flow, reduce the risk of flooding, and enhance the durability and safety of the road, state officials said.

Thompson Hill Road serves as "a critical connector between two major state routes, Route 6 and Route 66, ensuring efficient transportation for residents, commuters, and businesses," state officials said.

"Our smaller towns are one of the many things that make Connecticut such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. More importantly, these state grants will not only strengthen transportation but help to ensure our communities remain safe and connected for future generations," the governor said.

"This program helps rural communities deliver important safety improvement projects that may otherwise have been shelved due to a lack of funding," Eucalitto said. "No matter the population size, Connecticut’s municipalities deserve to have access to funding and programs that can improve safety and mobility."