CT DOT Completes Design for Bridge Rehab; Work Starts 2026

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has officially greenlit the design for a major rehabilitation of the Putnam Bridge. This commuter link connects Wethersfield and Glastonbury over the Connecticut River.

The project, set to start in spring 2026, will address structural issues and extend the bridge’s life. CTDOT wants to bring it up to modern safety standards for thousands of daily drivers.

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Putnam Bridge: A Vital Connector for Central Connecticut

The Putnam Bridge has served as a core transportation route since it opened, carrying Route 3 over the Connecticut River. It links commuters from towns like Hartford, Newington, East Hartford, and Rocky Hill to both sides of the river.

At 2,393 feet long with 14 spans, the bridge handles heavy morning and evening traffic. It’s a commuter lifeline and a key economic link for the area.

The Current State of the Bridge

CTDOT’s latest inspection rated the bridge a 5, or “Fair.” Several major components need significant repair or replacement.

The rehabilitation project will target a minimum rating of 6, or “Satisfactory,” for each section. That should mean safer travel and more durability for years ahead.

Details of the Rehabilitation Project

The bridge will stay open during construction, but the work will be pretty extensive. CTDOT plans to restore long-term structural integrity and replace worn-out elements.

They’ll use modern materials that can handle Connecticut’s tough winters, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy traffic. That’s no small feat, honestly.

Planned Improvements

Major rehabilitation undertakings include:

Repairing or replacing critical structural members
Patching and restoring the concrete deck
Installing a new waterproofing membrane and overlay
Replacing all expansion joints
Addressing lead-based paint removal and re-coating steel

Construction Timeline and Costs

The finalized design means the project will go out to contractors by late 2025. Work is expected to kick off in spring 2026.

CTDOT estimates the total cost between $31.4 million and $65.3 million, depending on how much paint removal and steel coating is needed. Federal funding will cover 80% of the expenses, while Connecticut’s transportation budget covers the rest.

Traffic Management During Construction

CTDOT plans to keep at least one lane open in each direction throughout the project. They want to minimize disruption for commuters between towns like Middletown, New Britain, and Hartford.

A full bridge closure isn’t expected. The adjacent Putnam Bridge Trail, a scenic non-motorized crossing between Wethersfield and Glastonbury, will also stay open—though there might be minor delays on the Glastonbury side.

Benefits for Communities Across Connecticut

This project isn’t just about repairs—it’s a real investment in the safety and connectivity of central Connecticut. Daily travel between towns like West Hartford, East Hartford, and Glastonbury depends on this span.

Its improvement should deliver benefits for commuters, businesses, and emergency services. That’s something the whole region can appreciate.

Economic and Safety Impacts

By bringing the bridge up to a solid state of repair, CTDOT will cut long-term maintenance costs. They’ll also increase load capacity and improve driving conditions.

For the Greater Hartford area, which is a hub for many of Connecticut’s industries, the project is a commitment to infrastructure that supports economic growth.

Looking Ahead

Connecticut’s investment in the Putnam Bridge is part of a bigger push to modernize old infrastructure across the state. Projects in Manchester, Rocky Hill, and towns in Middlesex County have already made things safer and more reliable for commuters.

By spring 2026, drivers should start to notice real changes. That’s going to be a big moment for one of Connecticut’s busiest river crossings.

The Putnam Bridge rehab doesn’t require taking anyone’s property, and crews plan to keep traffic moving throughout the work. That’s not something you see every day with construction projects.

People in Wethersfield, Glastonbury, and nearby towns can expect a safer and sturdier bridge for years ahead. It’s about time, right?

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Here is the source article for this story: CT DOT finishes design for rehabilitation of significant bridge. When work should start.

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