Two Bridges Under Construction
On Interstate 95 in West Haven
By Ken Liebeskind CEG CORRESPONDENT
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has launched a major bridge construction project in West Haven, replacing two bridges that carry traffic over I-95. The project has been described as involving “one of the longest and most heavily traveled bridges in the state.”
That description comes from Middlesex Corp., the lead
contractor on the $136.5 million project. Funding includes 90 percent federal funds and 10 percent state funds. According to CTDOT, Bridge No. 00161, which crosses over First Avenue, was originally built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1990. The bridge will be fully replaced with a new structure designed to increase vertical and horizontal clearances along First Avenue.
CTDOT Delivers Major Infrastructure, Safety Innovations Across State in 2025
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is highlighting the progress made in 2025 to improve safety, accessibility and reliability across the state’s transportation networks for drivers, transit riders, cyclists and pedestrians.
From upgraded bridges and repaved roadways to new bus shelter installations and advanced safety systems, CTDOT’s 2025 projects strengthened infrastructure, expanded mobility options and made travel safer and more dependable for millions of residents and visitors.
“2025 was a transformative year for Connecticut’s transportation systems,” said Garrett Eucalitto, Connecticut Department of Transportation commissioner. “We completed key bridge rehabilitations, accelerated transit-oriented development and expanded the nation’s largest wrong-way driving detection program. Supported by our federal, state, and local partners, these projects are helping make travel across Connecticut safer and more reliable for everyone.”
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Equipment East Welcomes David Puro as Territory Manager
Equipment East has appointed David Puro as territory manager, based out of the company’s Bow, N.H., branch.
In his new role, Puro will serve customers across Hillsborough and Cheshire counties and parts of Rockingham County, covering a broad swath of southern and western New Hampshire from the Manchester area west to Keene and the Vermont and Massachusetts borders.
Puro joins Equipment East with more than two decades of professional sales experience, bringing a strong background in equipment-focused industries and customer-driven service. While he is relatively new to the construction equipment sector, his career has consistently revolved around selling, supporting and servicing working iron. Most recently, Puro was a top producer in the materialhandling industry, working with aerial equipment, lifts and related products. Earlier in his career, he also gained hands-on exposure through public works work in New Jersey, giving him a practical understanding
of how equipment is used in the field.
As territory manager, Puro’s responsibilities extend well beyond simply selling machines. His day-today work includes developing new customer relationships, supporting existing accounts and helping contractors, landscapers, municipalities and public works departments determine whether purchasing, leasing or renting equipment best fits their needs. He also serves as a key point of contact between customers and Equipment East’s parts and service departments, helping navigate service calls, emergency repairs and timesensitive parts needs to keep machines productive on the job site.
“That customer-advocate role is a big part of what I do,” said Puro. “Whether it’s tracking down a critical hydraulic hose, arranging glass replacement or just making sure the service team gets where they need to be quickly, the goal is to make things easier for the customer.”
Equipment East supports that mission with a strong multi-branch footprint and deep inventory across its four locations in Dracut, Brockton
and Auburn, Mass., and Bow, N.H., the company said. Puro noted that having access to inventory and resources across all locations will allow him to respond quickly to customer needs. The company’s centralized service dispatch and parts operations further strengthen that support, with technicians available around the clock when conditions demand it, the company added.
Serving Massachusetts and New Hampshire, Equipment East is a fullline construction equipment distributor representing DEVELON, Wacker Neuson, Yanmar and ASV compact track loaders, along with a wide range of attachments, Felling trailers, Atlas Copco and Chicago Pneumatic tools and Vac-All vacuum truck solutions.
A longtime sales professional who has worked across multiple industries since 2003, Puro said he has finally landed in the field that truly excites him.
“Some people love classic cars or boats,” he said. “I’ve always liked bulldozers, backhoes and heavy equipment. I’m excited to be here and to help customers succeed.” CEG
CTDOT Announce Winners of Snowplow Naming Contest
The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced the winning names from its fourth annual Snowplow Naming Contest.
Members of the public voted thousands of times for their favorite names, which were submitted by CTDOT employees. A total of 16 snowplows (four in each CTDOT maintenance district) will be named.
The 2025-2026 winning names are:
• Plowsaurus Rex
• The Big Leplowski
• Snow-Be-Gone Kenobi
• Blizzard & The Beast
• Off To See the Blizzard
• Truck Norris
• Austin Plowers
• Sled Zeppelin
• Oh, Snow You Didn’t
• Snow Diggity
• Clear-A-Pathra
• The Saltfather
• Catch My Drift
• Slush Puppy
• Grateful Sled
• Plowabunga
“Our annual Snowplow Naming Contest continues to be a fun way to connect with the public while highlighting the critical role CTDOT crews play in winter safety,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “While these snowplow names add a little fun to the winter, the work behind them is serious.”
There are approximately 650 CTDOT plow trucks and
equipment clearing state roads and highways during inclement weather. Some of the CTDOT snow fighting equipment includes single axle plows with 9.5 ft. of plowable width, triaxle single wing plows with 17 ft. of plowable width and tandem axle tow plows with 26 ft. of plowable width. A variety of different plows will be named.
Previous winners of the Snowplow Naming Contest have included Ctrl-Salt-Delete, Blizzard of Oz, SNOWtorious BIG, Buzz Iceclear and Taylor Drift. These new names will make their way onto CTDOT snowplows this winter season.
Behind every clever name is a dedicated crew helping to keep the roads clear for the public. CTDOT urges drivers to slow down, move over and give its snowplow operators the space they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.
For more information, visit CTroads.org
Connecticut Department of Transportation logo
Equipment East photo Equipment East has appointed David Puro as territory manager, based out of the company’s Bow, N.H., branch.
West Haven’s Bridge Projects Expect Spring
’28 Completion, $136.5M
BRIDGES from page 1
The southbound direction of the new bridge will include three 12-ft. travel lanes, a 5.5-ft. left shoulder and a 10-ft. right shoulder. The northbound direction will feature three 12-ft. travel lanes, a 12-ft. acceleration lane carrying the entrance ramp from Exit 43, a 5.5-ft. left shoulder and a 10-ft. right shoulder.
Bridge No. 00162, which crosses over the Metro-North Railroad right-of-way, was built in 1956 and rehabilitated in 1988. This bridge will be removed and replaced with a wider structure. In the southbound direction, the new bridge will include three 12-ft. travel lanes, a 12-ft. operational lane, a 16-ft. left shoulder and a 12-ft. right shoulder. The northbound direction will include three 12-ft. travel lanes, a 16-ft. left shoulder and a 12-ft. right shoulder.
Middlesex noted that the I-95 southbound bridge to the Kimberly Avenue ramp has already been demolished. In addition, the I-95 bridge over Ella T. Grasso Boulevard was replaced with a single-span bridge measuring 101.7 ft. long and 131.8 ft. wide. The project also included reconstruction of approximately 4,659 ft. of I-95 over the Amtrak bridge east of the Howard Avenue structure.
In outlining the project’s scope of work, Middlesex listed the following activities:
• Construction of temporary trestles in the West River to access pile-supported pier locations, erection of structural steel and demolition of the existing bridge.
• Construction of a temporary roadway crossing ramp to maintain vehicular access over a pipeline.
• Temporary highway construction to accommodate traffic shifts.
• Reconstruction of highway approaches and exit ramps serving Ella T. Grasso Boulevard and Kimberly Avenue.
• Construction of new West River bridge piers and superstructure.
• Demolition of the existing West River Bridge.
• Replacement of the I-95 bridge over Ella T. Grasso Boulevard.
• Installation of drainage improvements. Matt Maher, senior project manager of Middlesex, said construction began in spring 2025 and is expected to be completed by spring 2028.
Budget
Middlesex Corp. is the lead contractor on the $136.5 million project. Funding includes 90 percent federal funds and 10 percent state funds.
The project has been described as involving “one of the longest and most heavily traveled bridges in the state.”
Matt Maher, senior project manager of Middlesex, said construction began in spring 2025 and is expected to be completed by spring 2028.
“We completed tree clearing, installed micropile foundations and performed temporary drainage work, and we are now in the middle of demolishing Bridge 00161,” Maher said. “We’re constructing a new bridge abutment for Bridge 00161, which is being replaced in its entirety. Bridge 00162 is being widened to span the Metro-North Railroad. We’re also installing MSE (mechanically stabilized earth) walls and excavation sheet piling to retain soil during excavation.”
Gov. Healey Delivers $50M for Paving to Enhance Safety, Travel
Gov. Maura Healey has awarded $50 million to 34 municipalities to pave 217 mi. of roads to enhance safety and improve travel throughout 2027 and 2028.
The funds come from the Municipal Pavement Program and are available for municipally owned state numbered routes, with an emphasis on National Highway System (NHS) roadways.
“This investment in municipal paving is about delivering significant improvements that make a difference in the lives of people across Massachusetts,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “By helping cities and towns repair and maintain local roads, we’re making every day travel safer, supporting local economies and easing the burden on municipal budgets — so residents can see and feel the impact of their government at work.”
According to MassDOT, projects are selected based on pavement condition data, the proportion of state numbered routes in poor condition in a municipality and geographic equity. MassDOT works closely with selected communities to develop a scope of work for each roadway segment. All work is conducted by MassDOT contractors in coordination with the municipality.
The following cities and towns will receive funding in FY2027:
• Cummington — Route 112
• North Adams — Route 8A
• West Stockbridge — Route 41
• Williamstown — Route 43
• Worthington — Route 112
• Agawam — Route 75
• Agawam — Route 57
• Westfield — Route 10 and Route 202
• Westhampton — Route 66
• Leominster — Route 117
• Uxbridge — Route 98
• Worcester — Route 122
• Bedford — Route 4
• Carlisle — Route 225
• Salem — Route 114
• Harwich — Route 124
• Harwich — Route 39
• Kingston — Route 106
• Norfolk — Route 115
• Plympton — Route 58
The following cities and towns will receive funding in FY2028:
• Adams — Route 8
• Cheshire — Route 116
• Savoy — Route 116
• Hadley — Route 47
• Northampton — Route 66
• Springfield — Route 141
• Brookfield — Route 148
• Paxton — Route 31
Construction equipment being used on the West Haven I-95 bridge project includes Cat 308, 321, 335 and 349 excavators; a Cat M322 rubber-tire excavator; Komatsu PC138 and PC238 excavators; two Cat 265D skid steers; two Cat 938M loaders; a Cat CS54 60-in. single-drum roller; Cat D3 and D5 dozers; and a Link-Belt RTC-8080 II rough-terrain crane. CEG (All photos courtesy of The Middlesex Corporation.)
• Sudbury — Route 27
• Billerica — Route 129
• Georgetown — Route 133
• Rowley — Route 133
• Brewster — Route 137
• Bridgewater — Route 104
• Truro — Route 6A
• Newton — Route 30
MassDOT logo
CTDOT’s 2025 Upgrades Range From Bike Paths to Bridges
INNOVATIONS from page 1
Here’s a look back at 2025.
CTDOT continued to improve state roads and bridges through planned projects, emergency response situations and routine maintenance.
• CTDOT won three 2025 America’s Transportation Awards, including the grand prize for the rapid demolition and reconstruction of Norwalk’s Fairfield Avenue Bridge over I-95, completed in just seven months following a fiery crash.
• Completed emergency repairs on Route 113 in Stratford, reopening the roadway on an accelerated timeline after a sinkhole collapse, replacing failed drainage infrastructure, restoring tidal flow and fully rebuilding the roadway to ensure long-term safety and resilience.
• During winter storms, CTDOT crews kept Connecticut moving by clearing more than 10,000 lane-mi. of roadway.
• CTDOT improved driving conditions statewide by paving over 227 two-lane mi. of roadway, upgrading 35 mi. of roadside safety barriers and installing 5,400 mi. of new pavement markings.
• Through strategic planning, CTDOT has more than 200 projects under construction, and 400 projects in design.
CTDOT broke ground, cut ribbons and continued making progress on major infrastructure projects throughout Connecticut.
• In January, CTDOT supported Torrington’s redesign of the Municipal Riverview Parking Lot and extension of the Sue Grossman Still River Greenway through a $375,000 Community Connectivity Grant, helping deliver new crosswalks, lighting, landscaping and improved trail connections to enhance safety and access.
• In February, CTDOT launched public outreach for the I-95 Fairfield/Bridgeport PEL Study, hosting community meetings to gather input from residents, businesses and stakeholders on future traffic, mobility and safety improvements along the corridor.
• In March, CTDOT broke ground on the $91.85 million rehabilitation of the Dutch Point Viaduct on I-91 in Hartford. The work includes deck replacement, drainage upgrades, new barrier walls and lighting.
• In April, CTDOT and Metro-North kicked off a $136.5 million project to replace two aging I-95 bridges over First Avenue and the Metro-North Railroad in West Haven, while also reconfiguring the interchange to improve traffic flow and safety.
• In May, CTDOT and the city of New Haven celebrated the ribbon-cutting of phase four of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail in New Haven, opening a 1.6-mi. downtown stretch with a below-grade tunnel under Whitney Avenue and a new
cycle-track connection into the city.
• In June, CTDOT reopened the historic Route 82 East Haddam Swing Bridge after a multi-year rehabilitation, completing major structural, mechanical and electrical upgrades and adding a new sidewalk to improve safety and pedestrian access.
• In July, CTDOT and Metro-North broke ground on a $33.2 million train station on the Waterbury Branch Line in Naugatuck. The new station, relocated closer to downtown, will include a high-level heated platform, electric vehicle charging, LED lighting and ADA-compliant infrastructure.
• In August, CTDOT completed the first phase of its statewide truck parking expansion plan, opening new spaces at the Middletown rest area on I-91 northbound as part of the $31 million project.
standards, improve safety and comfort, and aim to boost ridership and overall transit experience.
• In November, CTDOT unveiled a prototype of the new CTrail rail car, part of a $315 million investment in 60 coaches featuring modern amenities, faster service and improved accessibility, set to enter passenger service in 2027.
• In December, CTDOT began evaluating redevelopment proposals for the Stewart B. McKinney Stamford Transportation Center, moving forward with plans to transform it
lion from the FRA Railroad Crossing Elimination Program for the Danbury Branch Grade Crossing Consolidation Program, advancing planning, preliminary engineering and environmental review for crossings in Norwalk and Danbury.
• In January, CTDOT was awarded $2 million through the USDOT Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program to support the City Link — Reconnecting North Hartford planning study, advancing feasibility, stakeholder engagement and long-term redevelopment planning.
• In October, CTDOT and Metro-North broke ground on a $35.2 million renovation of Waterbury Union Station, which will include a new 350-ft. ADA-compliant highlevel platform, modern waiting area, real-time arrival displays, ticket kiosks and upgraded safety features.
• In November, CTDOT began a $533,335 upgrade of the historic Rocky Hill–Glastonbury Ferry landings, enhancing accessibility, security and visitor amenities while preserving the site’s historic character, with work scheduled to avoid disruption of ferry operations.
• In December, CTDOT and DEEP cut the ribbon on a major East Coast Greenway trail improvement, transforming a dark, curved tunnel into a safe, accessible and welcoming passage that benefits more than 86,000 annual users.
In addition to major roadway projects, CTDOT continued investments in public transportation and planning for the future of transportation.
• In March, CTDOT celebrated the 10th anniversary of CTfastrak, which has carried approximately 30 million passengers and spurred over $550 million in transit-oriented development. The system, recognized as the nation’s top bus rapid transit network, also is transitioning to 100 percent battery-electric buses by 2027.
• In June, CTDOT announced the selection of Gilbane Development Company and Mural Real Estate Partners to lead a privately developed, transit-oriented mixed-use project at New Haven Union Station, transforming underused state-owned land into a vibrant community with new housing, retail and jobs.
• In October, CTDOT launched the statewide Bus Stop Enhancement Program, starting in Hamden, installing modern shelters, benches, lighting and real-time displays at high-use stops. The upgrades meet ADA
into a modern, multi-modal transit hub.
The safety of all roadway users and roadway workers remained a top priority for CTDOT.
• CTDOT approved new automated traffic-enforcement technology plans for multiple municipalities, enabling the installation of speed and red-light cameras to enhance roadway safety.
• CTDOT resumed the automated work zone speed control program by testing and calibrating equipment in several work zones ahead of its full enforcement launch in early 2026.
• CTDOT reached a major safety milestone by installing more than 200 wrongway detection systems at high-risk highway ramps, creating the largest program of its kind in the nation.
• CTDOT expanded traffic incident management (TIM) training in 2025 to boost responder safety and efficiency, offering more than 350 sessions since 2022 and training more than 8,000 crash responders statewide. These efforts account for 10 percent of all TIM trainings nationwide.
Federal and state funds helped improve safety, accessibility and mobility throughout the state.
• In January, CTDOT received $11.6 million from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Restoration & Enhancement Grant Program for the CTrail Hartford Line, adding a weekday New Haven–Hartford round trip, extending select trains to Springfield and Windsor Locks and expanding customer service at Hartford Union Station.
• Also in January, CTDOT was awarded $400,000 through the FRA Railroad Crossing Elimination Program to study closing the at-grade Toelles Road crossing and constructing a new bridge over the Hartford Line and U.S. Route 5.
• In January, CTDOT received $2.4 mil-
• In February, CTDOT announced more than $56 million in federal Transportation Alternatives Program funding to 14 municipalities for bicycle, pedestrian and vulnerable road user safety projects, enhancing connectivity and accessibility across the state.
• In June, CTDOT awarded $10 million through the Transportation Rural Improvement Program (TRIP) to eight rural communities, funding safety and infrastructure projects that might otherwise be ineligible for federal programs.
• In July, CTDOT awarded $57.3 million through the LOTCIP (Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program) to 17 municipalities for local road, sidewalk, trail, bridge and streetscape projects.
• In September, CTDOT announced a 33 percent increase in Town Aid Road (TAR) funding, which raises the grant from $60 million to $80 million for FY 2026–2027, to help all 169 towns and 4 boroughs improve local paving and maintenance operations.
• In September, CTDOT received Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approval for its National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure plan, unlocking $52.5 million to expand Connecticut’s electric vehicle charging network and ensure reliable, statewide access.
• In October, CTDOT received $25 million in federal emergency relief funding from the FHWA to reimburse costs for road and bridge repairs following the August 2024 floods, bringing total federal support for the event to $28 million.
• In November, CTDOT announced a $35.7 million federal grant to modernize and expand the Windham Region Transit District bus facility in Mansfield, doubling its size to support up to 50 low- and zero-emission buses and adding new chargers, indoor storage and administrative space to improve regional transit service.
• In November, CTDOT awarded $12 million through the Community Connectivity Grant Program (CCGP) to 17 municipalities, bringing total program investments to more than $74 million.
For more information, visit ct.gov/dot.
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THE DOER’S DREAM
Monroe Tractor Welcomes Aaron Dillon as East Conn. Sales Rep.
Monroe Tractor announced Aaron Dillon as its Connecticut location’s new equipment sales representative.
Dillon brings nearly nine years of experience in the construction industry. Most recently, he served as the Northeast account manager of Engcon North America. Previously, he held similar sales roles within the sand and gravel industries. He looks forward to bringing his industry knowledge to his customers throughout Tolland, Windham and New London counties, according to Monroe Tractor.
“My goal for all of my customers is to make them feel comfortable from our first conversation till the end of the sale, and make sure they know that my service to them does not end there,” said Dillon. “I will assist them with anything they need, and connect them with resources along the way.”
“Aaron brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a proven track record of success to our team,” said Matthew Dennehey, branch manager. “His experience working with customers across the construction and aggregates industries aligns perfectly with our goals, and we’re confident he’ll deliver exceptional service and support throughout Eastern Connecticut.” For more information, visit
