A troublesome interchange in Glastonbury, Conn., is set for improvement with a roundabout under a two-year, $14.5-million Connecticut Dept. of Transportation project to begin within a month. 

Plans call for the roundabout to help untangle the complex intersection of New London Turnpike and the southbound ramps of Route 17 near Douglas Road. The current exit ramp terminus on the turnpike in close proximity to Oak Street results in a five-cornered intersection that has long posed operational and safety concerns as traffic volumes have increased. As part of the project, two aging bridge structures will be removed along with the at-grade portion of the Route 17 off-ramp.

The state DOT has selected Terryville, Conn.-based Richards Corp. as project contractor, with STV, tapped to provide construction engineering and inspection services.

According to a 2022 agency scoping study, the interchange bridge carrying Route 17 northbound lanes over a southbound exit ramp structure spanning New London Turnpike was found to be “functionally obsolete due to the existing minimum vertical clearance being less than current [state DOT] design criteria for an existing bridge over a freeway.” 

The bridge deck was also rated in poor condition, with 30% deterioration, large areas of map cracking and hollow sounding concrete on its. Abutment cracks and areas of peeling paint were also found.

Following removal of the bridge and exit ramp structure, a new roadway for northbound Route 17 will be built atop fill, with the new roundabout incorporated into the new traffic pattern. The roundabout will feature a distinctive 20-ft stamped asphalt apron along with additional pedestrian safety elements carefully integrated into the design. The roundabout will also support planned pedestrian improvements in the area.

Other project facets include 400 ft of lane widening along Oak Street and replacement of all traffic signals in the project area with video and radar detection systems added to new span poles.