Project would close Weston road for two months

A road improvement project proposed by the state would close a major thoroughfare in Weston for two straight months in 2015.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will conduct a public informational meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 5 (snow date Feb. 19), regarding the proposed retaining wall replacement project on Route 53 (Newtown Turnpike) in the vicinity of the Weston Racquet Club.

The racquet club is north of Godfrey Road and south of Valley Forge Road.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room at Weston Town Hall.

Department personnel will be available at to answer questions prior to a formal design presentation at 7 p.m.

The DOT is proposing the project (identified as State Project No. 157-84) to improve safety on the road by constructing an L-type concrete retaining wall in front of the existing metal bin retaining wall that has been determined to be in poor condition.

The design phase is expected to be completed this summer, with construction taking place in summer 2015.

According to a description on the DOT website, the exposed face of the proposed retaining wall would consist of a simulated stone pattern on the upper section as an aesthetic treatment, while the lower section would consist of a safety shape concrete barrier. It is also proposed to install an underdrain drainage system to address potential groundwater issues. Full-depth reconstruction of the affected roadway would be required after the wall construction.

The project would require a full road closure for approximately two months (July and August), and may affect underground utilities. State routes would be designated as the official detours.

The estimated construction cost for the project covered entirely by state funds is approximately $1.8 million.

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Project would close Weston road for two months