A project that calls for the major rehabilitation of an elevated bridge structure on Interstate 91 is scheduled to begin in early 2025, and that means an impending detour due to the closure of a freeway ramp.

According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, rehabilitation of the Dutch Point Viaduct on Interstate 91 in Hartford is scheduled to begin in early 2025.

According to the DOT, the work will mean closing the State Street on-ramp to southbound I-91 for approximately 18 months.

The viaduct is an 1,800-foot-long elevated bridge structure that carries three lanes of southbound Interstate 91 over the Connecticut Southern Railroad and northbound I-91 ramps to and from Whitehead Highway in Hartford, according to the DOT.

“The purpose of this project is to upgrade the structural elements of the bridge to current design standards, thereby improving its load-bearing capacity and extending its service life,” the DOT said. “This project is located on I-91 southbound between the Connecticut Convention Center and the Colt Armory.”

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According to DOT, the project includes:

• A new bridge deck with an improved drainage system
• New parapets that meet the latest federal standards
• New standard highway lighting
• Metallization of bridge girder beam ends and steel reinforcement repairs to bridge girders to increase load capacity

According to the DOT, bridge bearings also need to be replaced or repaired, and the “new micropiles and concrete casing of steel pier arches will strengthen the bridge’s substructure and increase load-bearing capacity.”

The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026, but before construction begins, the DOT will hold an open house on Monday, January 13, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hartford Public Library’s Center for Contemporary Culture, 500 Main St.

According to the agency, the open house will include a formal presentation by DOT team members on the project’s construction phases at 7 p.m.

“This project ensures that the Dutch Point Viaduct remains in good condition and meets all current federal standards,” said Juan Ruiz, civil engineer for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. “I hope the public will attend our open day to find out more about this important project.”

The closure of the driveway and the implementation of the diversion are expected to begin in winter 2025.

Those with hearing and/or speech impairments can dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Language assistance can be requested by contacting the CTDOT language assistance line at (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least five business days before the meeting. Language assistance is provided free of charge to the public and efforts are made to respond to requests for assistance in a timely manner, the agency said.

For more information about the project, visit portal.ct.gov/DutchPointViaduct.