AASHTO Journal - FHWA Provides Emergency Relief to Connecticut DOT

The Federal Highway Administration recently issued $3 million in “quick release” Emergency Relief or ER funds to the Connecticut Department of Transportation to help offset the costs of repairs of roads and bridges damaged by record rainfall and flooding in mid-August.

[Above photo by CTDOT]

On August 18 and 19, 2024, heavy rainfall occurred in western Connecticut in the towns of Bethel, Monroe, Newtown, Oxford, Redding, Ridgefield, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Woodbury, and the cities of Ansonia and Danbury – causing transportation infrastructure damage estimated to exceed $50 million, FHWA noted in a statement.

The damage from that storm included slope washouts, road collapses, bridge scour, and retaining wall failures. Substantial damage to bridges and culverts will require full replacements.

On state routes, damage occurred at 18 sites, many of which include multiple locations within close proximity of one another, FHWA said.

Emergency repairs will require the installation of temporary structures until bridges can be permanently replaced, Connecticut DOT noted.

“This historic rain and flooding event has had a devastating impact on roads and bridges, as well as homes and small businesses,” noted Connecticut Governor Lamont (D) in a separate statement.

“The quick support of federal emergency relief funds ensures that the rebuilding efforts on our roads will continue uninterrupted,” he added. “Our administration will continue pursuing additional federal emergency relief funds to help our communities rebuild, including for homeowners and businesses who have been impacted and need support.”

“Our crews and contractors have been working around the clock over the last several weeks to reopen as many roads as possible to ensure no one is cut off from their neighbors and community,” added Garrett Eucalitto, CTDOT’s commissioner.

“Their hard work and efforts have truly been remarkable,” he said. “I appreciate the support of the USDOT, FHWA, and our federal delegation who continue supporting the state during the ongoing recovery efforts.”