State officials outline proposed $42 million upgrade of Route 82 in Norwich

Norwich -- Members of the City Council had many questions and concerns Monday about the safety, cost and function of a proposed $42 million redesign of Route 82 that would include six roundabouts, a median divider and no left turns allowed.

The state Department of Transportation announced the proposed plan earlier this year and held a public informational meeting in September. DOT Principal Engineer William Britnell told the City Council during an informational meeting presentation on the project Monday that the agency would be looking for an endorsement of the project before going forward with a final design plan.

If approved by the council, the state would identify funding sources, likely 80 percent federal and 20 percent state funding, and would begin final design plans. Another public meeting would be held, and the city would be asked again for approval before the DOT would start acquiring the needed properties.

The project would require acquisition of several entire parcels at spots where roundabouts are planned, and strips of numerous other properties along the route.

http://www.theday.com/local/20151214/state-officials-outline-proposed-42-million-upgrade-of-route-82-in-norwich-