Rell backs $53 million Route 72 project

Governor Rell Announces Funding for Route 72 Extension in Bristol
$10.7 Million Will Move Long-Awaited Project Forward

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that $10.7 million for a long-awaited four-lane extension of Route 72 in Bristol is expected to be approved when the State Bond Commission meets on June 29th. Approval of these state funds will leverage about $40 million in federal funds for the project.
"The wait is over and Route 72 will finally be a reality,"
Governor Rell said. "Extending Route 72 will not only help central Connecticut commuters, it will provide a strong boost to economic development for the City of Bristol and it will help local downtown merchants and companies along this corridor. The link between transportation and economic development has never been more important and I look forward to the growth we will encourage with this project."
The project calls for a 2.4 mile, four-lane section of highway extending from Route 372 (the end of the existing Route 72 roadway leading off
I-84 in Plainville) to Middle Street in Bristol. It will include a new bridge over the Pequabuck River and a new pedestrian bridge over the new section of Route 72 near Forest Street. Once construction begins, the project is expected to take about 19 months to complete. The cost is being divided, with 20 percent funded by the state and 80 percent by the federal government.
"By putting this funding in place now, actual construction can begin this summer, and that is very good news for everyone who has waited patiently for this project to be completed," said Bristol Mayor William Stortz. "Route 72 is one of the city's top priorities and it has been a long time coming."
"Projects like these are investments in our communities and in Connecticut's overall economy. A better transportation network means a more attractive place for businesses to expand or relocate," said State Representative William Hamzy (R-78th).
"Cities like Bristol and Plainville will reap dividends from this investment for many years to come and I am pleased that this funding will now be approved," said State Representative Elizabeth Boukus (D-22nd).
"This project will have immediate benefits to area commuters who at long last will see congestion relief due to the extension of the four-lane section of the roadway," said Senator Thomas Colapietro (D-31st). "It has been a long time coming and I am glad it is here."
"I fought for ten years for this project, every since I was elected Mayor," said State Representative Frank Nicastro (D-79th). "It is great news for the entire City, which is the only major city in the state without highway access, and it will make us more attractive to businesses looking to relocate."
"The new pedestrian bridge over the new section of Route 72 near Forest Street will make Bristol a more walk-able, pedestrian-friendly community," said Ron Burns (R-77th).
The State Bond Commission, chaired by Governor Rell, will meet Friday, June 29th, at 10:30 a.m. in the Legislative Office Building adjacent to the State Capitol in Hartford.
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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com