CT Construction Digest Tuesday April 7, 2026

Drivers are going to have to slow down to 45 mph during 4-year Gold Star Bridge project

Kimberly Drelich

Beginning Wednesday morning, the southbound Gold Star Memorial Bridge will be reduced to three lanes, with crews restriping lanes starting Tuesday evening.

Due to weather, the new traffic configuration was delayed from the original start date of Monday. The new configuration will include two lanes of the Bridge Street on-ramp in Groton transitioning to one lane after a certain distance.

Then, between May 9 and 15, the state Department of Transportation is aiming to implement a traffic crossover in which two northbound lanes will go over the southbound bridge, while three southbound lanes will continue on the southbound span. The northbound bridge will carry two northbound lanes.

Project officials, who outlined details of the $900 million northbound bridge construction project to the media Monday, said drivers will need to shift their mindsets for the safety of workers and the public while traveling during the project, which will not be complete until December 2030.

‘Culture change’ needed

Every day, about 60,000 vehicles cross the bridge between New London and Groton.

Drivers currently sail across the multilane bridge at an average speed of over 70 mph, even though the speed limit is posted at 55 mph, said Robert Obey, the resident engineer for the project with GM2 Associates.

With speed limits to be reduced to 45 miles per hour once the crossover is in place next month, Obey said it will be “a big culture change.”

“We have to change the culture of speed through this work zone for not just worker safety, but for public safety,” said Obey.

He said it’s important that people drive at appropriate speeds to prevent crashes. Once the traffic crossover is in place, the northbound span will have 11-foot lanes with 2-foot shoulders, so even a small fender bender will likely affect both travel lanes and force the closure of the bridge.

Project officials are having conversations with emergency services on coordinating emergency response, Obey said.

The southbound span will have 11-foot lanes with 3-to-8-foot shoulders, according to the DOT.

Both options continue north on I-95

A DOT video about the crossover shows that underneath the Route 32 overpass in New London, the lanes will diverge and drivers can take the crossover onto the southbound bridge or continue onto the northbound bridge. The DOT intends for people driving to Route 184 to take the crossover onto the southbound span to Exit 86 and for people driving to Bridge Street in the City of Groton, Route 12 or Route 1 to take the northbound bridge to Exit 85.

Either option will allow people to continue north on I-95, the DOT says.

Obey said project officials have reached out to Google Maps and Waze so that once the crossover is in place next month, the navigation apps will encourage people driving through Connecticut to take the crossover. Tractor trailers also are going to be encouraged to take the crossover, and project officials have reached out to the trucking community.

The intention is for people heading to the Naval Submarine Base to take the crossover, Obey said.

Ideally, local traffic heading to Groton, including Electric Boat and Pfizer, will take the northbound bridge, Obey said.

But Obey said that traffic situations may force drivers to take one span rather than the other, and that it’s important for people to drive safely, not recklessly or aggressively, and not to stop and try to force their way onto one of the spans.

“There’s plenty of secondary roads on both sides of New London and Groton to get you where you need to go,” he said.

Bridge deck replacement

The construction project to maintain and preserve the northbound span calls for replacing the over 50-year-old bridge deck, repairing concrete, upgrading drainage, adding LED lighting, replacing approach slabs, replacing overhead signs, and upgrading bearings to more rigid, earthquake-resistant ones, according to project officials. The 1943 northbound bridge was upgraded in the 1970s.

The bridge has been undergoing steel strengthening for the past 2½ years.

Keith Schoppe, project engineer with the DOT, said the construction project will result in a structure that will last, be safe and carry heavier loads. Currently, heavier trucks take a detour to the Mohegan-Pequot Bridge.

North Crossing to begin leasing 237 new apartments near Dunkin' Park in Hartford

Joseph Villanova

HARTFORD — A new 237-unit apartment building is expected to open soon in the North End of Hartford, in the immediate vicinity of Dunkin' Park.

Stamford-based developer RMS Companies plans to open next month the Portrait at North Crossing at 1143 Main St., part of a project that began more than a decade ago alongside the Double-A baseball stadium across the street. The company's end goal is to build as many as 2,500 apartments alongside commercial space and parking garages all located a stone's throw from the home of the Hartford Yard Goats.

Construction of the Dunkin' Park stadium began in 2015, after the city reached an agreement with a previous developer. The project was initially delayed later that year due to a dispute over the stadium design. Hartford axed the developer and hired RMS to both finish Dunkin' Park and build new mixed-use developments on properties near the stadium, and the previous developer responded soon after with a wrongful termination lawsuit seeking $90 million in damages.

RMS began planning the North Crossing about five years ago and completed the Pennant, the first residential building in the project, in October 2022, but the litigation stopped further construction until a settlement was reached in October 2023. The terms dictated that Hartford would pay $9.9 million to Arch Insurance, the company that financed the stadium after the previous developer was ousted, and Arch would pay $1.8 million to the ousted developer.

Development of North Crossing resumed shortly after the settlement, and construction of the Portrait and other project elements began in early 2024. That same year, RMS also opened the Revel, a 147-unit apartment complex built above the DoubleTree by Hilton at 315 Trumbull St.

Kyle Salvatore, representing RMS, said Wednesday that the company plans to start moving residents into the 237-unit first phase of the Portrait during May, and the planned 270-unit second phase would hopefully take 18 more months to open.

Salvatore said the first set of apartments will be split between 62 studios, 121 one-bedroom, and 50 two-bedroom units, sized between 550 square-feet for a, average studio and 1,350 square-feet for a three-bedroom. Rents would be "very similar" to existing rates at the Pennant, which averages between $1,750 per month for a studio and $3,900 for three-bedroom units. 

Units will have their own clothes washers and dryers, Salvatore said, and the rent will come with access to amenities like a fitness center, a courtyard pool, co-working spaces, lounges, and a rooftop terrace.

"A lot of the developments and housing in Hartford is older or a conversion from offices," Salvatore said, making it difficult to find something like a pool.

Salvatore said the first phase of the Portrait also included construction of a 524-stall parking garage intended to support the full development once all the units are built, and a retail unit with a few thousand square-feet of space that RMS plans to market once "the building is in better shape," as work still remains to be completed.

After the Portrait, Salvatore said, the company's plans become less definitive. Preliminary, the entire development is slated to have around 2,500 apartments and could feature other uses like hotel or office space, and RMS has "a lot more land" in the area to work with: 12.7 acres from the former Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduate center at 275 Windsor St., about 3 acres on the site of a former data center at 150 Windsor St., and a smaller nearby parcel.

Salvatore said the Pennant and the Revel are above 90% leased now, showing strong demand and support for what RMS has already done in the North End.

"We're really excited about North Crossing in general, it's really continuing the momentum we have," Salvatore said.

Solar project near Heublein Tower sparks fight over Farmington Valley’s skyline

Andrew Larson

Lodestar Energy is seeking state approval to build a 4.65-megawatt solar array on the site of a former golf course in Simsbury, a proposal that has drawn concerns from the town’s chief elected official.

The West Hartford-based developer filed a petition with the Connecticut Siting Council late last year to construct an 18.2-acre solar installation on a portion of 140 Nod Road, the 118-acre property that once housed Tower Ridge Golf Club. The site now hosts a mix of uses including a disc golf facility and the Talcott Mountain Collective event venue.

Because the project exceeds 1 megawatt, it bypasses local zoning laws, going straight to the Siting Council for approval. A public hearing is scheduled for April 23, with an evidentiary session beginning at 2 p.m. and a public comment session at 6:30 p.m.

Simsbury First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis wrote to the council in December raising a series of objections, primarily that the solar panels would be visible from the historic Heublein Tower on the Talcott Mountain ridgeline and from within the surrounding state park.

Mackstutis also pointed out that a large portion of the array appears to fall within a Special Flood Hazard Area, with several wetland pockets nearby, and that the proposed landscaping plan falls short of adequately screening the project from the Nod Road corridor.

The town also noted that the property owner — Simsbury Real Estate Holdings owes — $316,930 in delinquent taxes, and asked the council to require payment before any approval is granted, or to make it a condition of the decision.

The Siting Council voted in January to hold a public hearing at Simsbury’s request, though the council noted that one is not legally required for a project of this type.

The council’s deadline for a final decision is June 2.

Residents who wish to speak during the April 23 public comment session must register in advance. Written comments may also be submitted by email or mail.

In a letter to the Siting Council, attorneys for Lodestar said the facility will pay real estate and personal property taxes of about $45,000 annually. The energy generated from the project will be sold to Eversource.

The estimated project cost is $10.9 million, according to the application. Construction is expected to take six to nine months.

CT Construction Digest Monday April 6, 2026

Manafort Wins Dual Awards for Major Projects in Conn.

At the Associated General Contractors of Connecticut (AGC) BuildCT Awards held on, Feb. 12, 2026, Manafort was honored with the Construction Manager/General Contractor Mid-Size Renovation Award for the Bloomfield Public Library — Prosser Library project.

This recognition reflects the collective effort and dedication of Manafort's team alongside the skilled contractors, subcontractors, design partners and client representatives who worked together to preserve and enhance this important community resource.

Manafort also was awarded the Construction Manager/General Contractor Award for New/Large Construction for its work on the Great Wolf Lodge Mashantucket project. This major destination highlights the exceptional coordination, craftsmanship and teamwork of all project partners involved, whose collaboration helped bring this complex and high-profile project to life, according to the company.

"These awards are a testament to the strength of collaboration across every level of the project teams," the company said. "Manafort is proud to work alongside outstanding contractors, subcontractors, partners and clients whose shared commitment to quality and excellence continues to drive successful outcomes across the region."

Manafort Brothers Inc. was selected to perform the civil and utility work, as well as the concrete construction for the new Great Wolf Lodge, a 549-room, 91,000-sq.-ft. family resort and indoor water park complex adjacent to the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.

The project included comprehensive site development and infrastructure improvements to support this significant hospitality destination. Manafort's scope encompassed earthwork, retaining wall construction, installation of drainage and utility systems, final pavement and all civil and concrete work associated with the pool and indoor water park facilities to support the resort's aquatic features.

In addition, Manafort provided all cast-in-place concrete services for the project, including footings, foundation walls, grade beams, structural slab on grade, shored slabs, columns, piers, concrete curbs, pads, and concrete work associated with the site finishes, ensuring a durable and precise foundation for this large-scale facility.

Lane closure on CT interstate bridge, weight restriction on another span, begin Monday. What to know

There will be bridge inspections on the Bulkeley Bridge in Hartford and East Hartford this month and that means upcoming lane closures, according to the Connecticut Department of Transportation

This work is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 6 and be completed on April 23, 2026.

There will be a daytime lane closure on Interstate 84 westbound from April 6 to April 9, 2026, during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., according to the DOT. That means the right lane of I-84 westbound will be closed over Bulkeley Bridge, according to the DOT.

Traffic control signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone on the bridge, according to the DOT

There also will be nighttime lane closures on I-84 eastbound from April 20 to April 23, 2026, from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., according to the DOT. That means the right lane of I-84 eastbound will be closed over the Bulkeley Bridge, and that traffic control signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone there as well, according to the DOT.

The agency warns that motorists must be aware modifications or extensions to this schedule could be needed due to “weather delays or other unforeseen conditions.”

Motorists also are asked to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.

Further, the Department of Transportation said that a 20-ton weight restriction will be imposed for the Putnam Memorial Bridge, also over the Connecticut River. This bridge, accessible from Interstate 91, links the towns of Wethersfield and Glastonbury. The weight limit is effective April 6, 2026, according to the DOT.

The restriction will be in place “until specific work under the associated project is completed, but no later than November 3, 2028.”

The agency noted the restriction is connected to related to bridge rehabilitation project awarded to ROTHA Contracting Company on February 27, 2026, at a cost of $48 million.

The project purpose is to address “the structural deficiencies of” the Putnam Bridge, which carries Route 3 over the Connecticut River, “in order to maintain safe travel for all facility users and to maintain a ‘state of good repair,’” according to the DOT.  “The project includes repairing or replacing deficient structural members, improving the condition rating of all structural elements to “satisfactory” (6) or better, concrete deck patching, and installing a new waterproofing membrane and overlay,” according to the state agency.

The project is being administered by the Bureau of Engineering and Construction, Office of Construction, District 1, in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, according the the DOT.

Siting Council approves Manchester solar project on nearly 30 acres

Joseph Villanova

MANCHESTER — State officials have approved a Lake Street solar facility that has proved controversial among some neighbors.

The Connecticut Siting Council approved a petition from North Haven-based solar developer Greenskies Clean Energy to build a 1.2-megawatt solar photovoltaic electric generating facility at 81 and 93 Lake St., two largely vacant agricultural properties totaling close to 30 acres.

The project consists of two separate but connected solar arrays, with a 750-kilowatt facility on 93 Lake St. and a 450-kilowatt facility on 81 Lake St. taking up a total footprint of 6.3 acres with a combined 2,136 modules.

The original petition filed by Greenskies in August billed the facility as providing "multiple benefits" to the town, state, and region through production of renewable energy, and the Siting Council's decision echoes that sentiment.

The draft decision and order, dated March 27, states that the Siting Council finds there is a "public benefit" for the construction of the facility and that it would not have a "substantial adverse environmental effect," and that the council will therefore issue a declaratory ruling for the proposed facility.

The Siting Council's draft opinion, dated March 27, states that pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes, the council has "exclusive jurisdiction" over the facility proposed by Greenskies and shall approve by declaratory ruling any such project as long as it "meets the air and water quality standards of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Council does not find a substantial adverse environmental effect."

The opinion states that the proposed facilities would be remotely monitored on a 24/7 basis and comply with relevant building, electrical, and fire protection codes, and Greenskies would work with local emergency responders and file an emergency response plan. Noise generation and air quality would comply with state standards, and DEEP would need to issue a stormwater permit prior to construction.

The opinion further states that Greenskies has expressed a willingness to install landscape plantings and implement best management practices for stormwater in response to neighborhood concerns about visibility of the facility and water quality.

Members of the Siting Council approved approved the plan in a 7-0 vote Thursday, with one member recusing themselves. Few spoke about the project in detail during the meeting, though one member briefly discussed his issues with the plan.

Bill Syme said the proposal from Greenskies was not "one of (his) favorites" due to prime farmland being taken out of production, but that he could foresee minimal impact to neighbors and the environment.

Khristine Hall said she was happy that a condition for a post-construction noise study was included, though noted it is typical for the Siting Council to do so.

"Even though the host parcel owner was not concerned about the noise, which may be above the noise limits, I think it's important to have that study and see what the compliance is once the facility is started," Hall said.

Chance Carter thanked staff members for working on the documents, and said he was pleased to see that the approval requires Greenskies to work with the town's fire department to ensure emergency services can reach the site.

New developer emerges for stalled New London mill apartment project

John Penney

New London — A prospective new developer seems poised to take over a stalled plan aimed at transforming a dilapidated and toxic mill property into an apartment complex. 

The City Council at 7 p.m. on Monday is scheduled to discuss a state brownfield clean-up grant application requesting $6 million to continue remediation work at a 96,000-square-foot former mill at 90-100 Garfield Ave. 

The application is the result of a partnership between the city and the Vesta Corporation, a Weatogue-based developer of more than 20,000 apartments in 13 states and the District of Columbia, including two affordable complexes it manages in New London. 

Felix Reyes, the city’s director of economic development and planning, said Wednesday that Vesta has entered into a sales and purchase agreement with the property’s current owner, Garfield Mills LLC, to buy the former Edward Bloom Silk Co. mill and the land it occupies. 

Garfield Mills, which bought the property in 2019 for $239,000, long promised to build an 87-unit apartment complex where the 107-year-old mill stands. But, to the frustration of city officials, the project never progressed past exterior clean-up work that was kick-started with the help of a $1 million state Municipal Brownfield Grant awarded in 2024. 

In addition to the state’s contribution, the city also extended its support in the form of a $2.16 million tax break agreement approved by the City Council in October 2023. Under that agreement, Garfield Mills would pay an annual tax bill of $20,000 for the first four years of the 20-year agreement during the construction phase, with those amounts increasing by 2.5% annually in most subsequent years.

The city currently collects about $20,000 in annual taxes from the building and 3.5-acre site, but officials anticipated that figure would jump significantly after its redevelopment. 

City officials said in January that another firm was interested in acquiring the property, but the identity of the potential buyer was not confirmed until this week. 

Vesta lists two New London apartment complexes in its portfolio, including the 295-unit Winthrop Square Apartments and Townhomes on Federal Street and the Londonberry Gardens Apartments complex with its 86 apartments on Third Avenue. Both cater to lower income renters. 

Reyes said the Garfield Avenue project — dubbed “Whaling City Lofts” in the state grant application — calls for all its 87 apartments to be affordable, unlike the Garfield Mills version, which planned to set aside 20% of its units for low-income renters.

He noted that the final sale of the property by Vesta is contingent on the company getting additional state Department of Housing and other funding. 

“Vesta, like with any affordable housing project, will be spending millions in the interim on things like initial analysis and other pre-construction work,” Reyes said. 

Vesta representatives did not return calls for comment on the mill project.

The mill is located in the city’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Garfield Mills District, an incentive zone created by the council in 2022 that allows a portion of any increase in tax revenues from rising property values to be set aside for infrastructure improvements in that area. 

Under that plan, 50% of tax revenue realized by increases in assessed value in the district gets recycled back into the neighborhood for various improvement projects, including new sidewalks, parks and lighting, with the remainder funneled into the city’s general fund. 

City Law Director Jeffrey Londregan earlier this year said an attorney representing a possible purchaser of the mill contacted his office with questions about the TIF zone. 

Mayor Michael Passero on Friday said he was optimistic that Vesta will be able to accomplish was Garfield Mills couldn’t with the vacant mill property.

"They're certainly a well-established, very large developer of affordable housing,” he said. “And they have a good track record with these kinds of projects."