The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has announced $10 million in state funding for transportation infrastructure projects in eight rural communities under the Transportation Rural Improvement Program (TRIP). Established in 2022, the TRIP program addresses funding gaps faced by small towns that are often ineligible for federal transportation programs.
The selected projects include roadway and bridge improvements designed to enhance safety, mobility, and local connectivity. Awarded communities and projects are:
- Barkhamsted – $1.08 million for resurfacing and enhancements to West River Road, a scenic corridor through American Legion State Forest.
- Bethlehem – $2 million for paving, drainage, and safety upgrades on Flanders Road, linking Route 6 and Route 61.
- Bolton – $1.41 million to replace the Lyman Road Bridge with a precast concrete box culvert, improving access to state parks and surrounding towns.
- Burlington – $1.55 million for full-depth reconstruction and drainage work on West Chippen Road, enhancing safety and access to nearby wildlife and hiking areas.
- Columbia – $1.48 million to replace the Thompson Hill Road culvert over Clark Brook, mitigating flood risk and improving route durability.
- Goshen – $1.5 million for rehabilitation of the West Hyerdale Drive Bridge, extending service life and maintaining access to the town center.
- Litchfield – $968,000 for reconstruction and drainage upgrades on Campville Road, which links Route 8 and Route 254.
- Marlborough – $341,179 for a sidewalk extension and crosswalk upgrades on Lake Road, improving walkability between the town center and local schools.
All eight projects are fully funded by the state. This is the second round of TRIP funding, following a $9 million allocation in January 2024. Future grant rounds are anticipated, pending available funding.