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The purpose of this page is to provide short answers to the most commonly asked questions about the project. Other pages of this website discuss many of these topics in more detail. Please consider exploring the website or sending us your question if you seek more information on a topic.

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Overview The Future I84 Project Greater Hartford Mobility Study Process Statewide / Legislative Efforts / Politics Getting Involved Jobs
Overview

  • Who made the decision to shift direction and conduct the Greater Hartford Mobility Study?

    Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) decided to take a step back and holistically look at the I-84 Hartford Project in conjunction with other affected transportation initiatives in the Hartford area in order to align them with a broader vision shaped by stakeholder input.

  • Why is CTDOT doing this study OR Why is CTDOT transitioning I-84 and other projects into the Greater Hartford Mobility Study?

    Doing a more comprehensive study of the Greater Hartford area is the only way to consider the I-84 Hartford Project's needs together with other efforts, such as but not limited to CTfastrak expansion, railroad corridor enhancements, I-84/I-91 interchange congestion improvements, and other multimodal transportation improvements, including East Coast Greenway and intercity pedestrian and bicycle connectivity.

  • Why was this broader study not considered when the I-84 Hartford Project began?

    The scope of I-84 Hartford Project was established for the immediate need to address the condition of the two miles of aging bridges. While other transportation needs in the greater Hartford area beyond these limits were recognized, it was only determined after further study the degree to which they are interdependent.

  • What other improvements will be considered alongside the I-84 Hartford Project in the Greater Hartford Mobility Study?

    Other improvements include CTfastrak expansion, railroad corridor enhancements, I-84/I-91 interchange congestion improvements, and other multimodal transportation improvements, including East Coast Greenway and intercity pedestrian and bicycle connectivity.

  • What is the goal of the Greater Hartford Mobility Study?

    The goal is to identify a comprehensive set of solutions to the transportation needs and recommend a sequence of projects that provide the most benefit for the future of the Hartford area.

  • What are the benefits of this broader, more comprehensive study?

    It can lead to more informed project decisions, less duplication of efforts, and more strategic project phasing, including the ability to move forward with early breakout projects identified in the broader study.

  • The Future of the I-84 Hartford Project
  • Are there enough funds to construct the I-84 Hartford Project?

    Not currently. The I-84 Hartford Project is only funded through the completion of the environmental documentation. Engineering and construction work beyond that is not funded.

  • Why can’t CTDOT maintain the present course of action on the I-84 Hartford Project?

    Moving ahead without considering other potential connected activities could be considered segmentation, which is prohibited under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). To avoid segmentation, the scope of an action must include the consideration of all known connected, cumulative, and similar actions. This study will help to avoid this, as it will look at the entire area as a whole.

  • Is replacing the two-mile section of bridges in the I-84 Hartford Project area no longer urgent because of the recent maintenance work on the viaduct?

    CTDOT estimates that the recent repairs and ongoing maintenance work on the bridges will keep them in a state of good repair through 2040. This work addresses, for the immediate term, the bridge structural deficiencies that were a critical element of the project’s original purpose and need. While this does not address the parts of purpose and need for traffic operations, safety, and mobility, a wider and more comprehensive approach is better suited to solve those concerns.

  • Will this study result in a delay to the I-84 Hartford Project construction?

    The start of construction has always been contingent on the availability of funding. The current funding outlook remains uncertain. It is too early to know if the Greater Hartford Mobility Study will have an impact on the schedule.

  • Will I-84 Hartford be the first project to be advanced?

    The Greater Hartford Mobility Study will determine which initiatives are to move forward and in what order.

  • Greater Hartford Mobility Study Process
  • What is Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL)?

    Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) is a tool used to more efficiently study and plan for transportation improvements and use that information to to inform the NEPA environmental process. It can lead to more informed project decisions, less duplication of effort, and even a shortened project delivery time for some components of the study. For more information, please visit: www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovation/everydaycounts/edc-1/PEL.cfm.

  • Can't CTDOT simply expand the NEPA study area for the I-84 Hartford Project instead of beginning the new Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study?

    While it is possible to expand the NEPA study area, the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) process is more flexible, more efficient, and timelier to complete.

  • How long will this new study take to complete?

    The Greater Hartford Mobility Study is expected to take about two to three years to complete.

  • Will tunnels be considered?

    The Greater Hartford Mobility Study will consider various alternatives that address the transportation challenges in the Hartford area. These may include tunnels alongside other new ideas.

  • Statewide / Legislative Efforts / Politics
  • Why isn’t the I-84 Hartford Project in the Governor’s CT2030 plan?

    The Governor’s CT2030 plan covers projects that will be in construction by 2030. The I-84 Hartford Project is not scheduled to begin construction during this timeframe.

  • Is the sole purpose of this change in direction to address vehicular congestion?

    No, congestion will be only one of many factors addressed in the Greater Hartford Mobility Study. Others include, but are not limited to, addressing structural deficiencies, enhancing rail and transit service, and other multimodal needs.

  • Does this new approach include tolling?

    No, tolling is a separate legislative initiative that is not currently part of this study.

  • Getting Involved
  • Will there be a PAC associated with the Greater Hartford Mobility Study?

    Public outreach will continue to inform the Greater Hartford Mobility Study. Members of the existing I-84 Public Advisory Committee (PAC) will play an integral role in this study’s process. Outreach will expand to include new stakeholder groups within the new study limits.

  • How can the public be involved moving forward?

    Please visit i84hartford.com/contactus to provide comments, ask questions, or receive print materials about the study.

  • Who can the public reach out to with comments and questions about the Greater Hartford Mobility Study?

    Please direct questions to >i84hartford.com/contactus.

  • Jobs
  • What kinds of jobs do large highway and bridge construction projects create?

    Highway and bridge projects support thousands of jobs in Connecticut every year including those in manufacturing (e.g. fabricators create steel and other metal parts to specifications including sheet metal, rebar, and ornamental pieces), engineering, transportation, and trades. Examples of transportation related construction jobs in the trades include:

    • Carpenters
    • Cement masons
    • Electricians
    • Heavy equipment operators
    • Iron workers
    • Laborers

    Other jobs include those administrative positions and indirect jobs that support the highway and bridge workforce.

  • What should contractors know about large highway and bridge construction projects?

    Many of these projects will get at least some of their funding from the federal government. Federal regulations require that States and their contractors meet numerous criteria to obtain both formula and/or discretionary funding for federally funded projects.

    Federal aid highway and bridge projects often require that a portion of any contract be awarded to a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) company. In addition, a small number of projects may have project labor agreements, which require construction companies to enter into agreements with local unions to set hiring, working, and payment conditions for the entire contract.

  • What is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)? A Small Business Enterprise (SBE)?

    A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) is a business that meets the United States Department of Transportation’s DBE eligibility requirements and is certified by the CTDOT as a DBE business.

    Learn more about the DBE eligibility requirements. Contact the CTDOT’s Office of Contract Compliance for more information on acquiring DBE certification.

    A Small Business Enterprise (SBE) is a business that meets the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) SBE program eligibility requirements and is certified by DAS as an SBE/MBE business.

    Learn more about the SBE eligibility requirements.

  • Is a career in construction right for me?

    Only you can answer that question! Although the construction industry includes many careers drawing on a variety of skills, rebuilding Connecticut’s highways and bridges, as well as other vital infrastructure around the country, will be no easy job.

    Experts expect a national shortage of skilled and prepared workers capable of rebuilding our country’s transportation infrastructure. Now may be a very good time to consider a career in construction.

  • What can I do to prepare for a career in construction?

    The CTDOT builds many highway and bridge construction projects every year. Those interested in careers in construction should start preparing now. Mastering soft skills, such as handshakes, eye contact, interviewing, résumé writing, and presentation, are important for career success. Community organizations may be able to assist you with building soft skills.

    Careers in construction also require technical training and experience. Ways to prepare for a career in construction include:

    • Complete high school - Obtain a high school diploma or graduate equivalency diploma (GED). Focus on math as many trades require proficiency in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Consider attending technical high schools and other schools with courses in specific trades. They offer the opportunity to develop skills while also working towards a diploma or certification.
    • Research, contact, and/or enroll in construction training and career preparedness programs
    • Contact trade unions or organizations to learn about apprenticeship and training opportunities - All trade unions require their apprentices to have a high school diploma or GED. In several fields, you can start training right out of high school through paid apprenticeship programs.
    • Become licensed and/or certified (if required) - Different trades require specific training and experience, and some require a state license to practice (for example, electricians and crane operators).
  • Who can I go to for a job?

    The Connecticut Department of Transportation does not hire construction workers directly. Construction contracts are competitively bid, and are awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.

    If you are looking for a construction job, a good place to start is with local contractors or the trades unions.

  • Can I work on the project if I have been convicted of a crime?

    CTDOT adheres to all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination in hiring. Every contracting company hired by CTDOT legally commits to the state that it has a policy and practice of non-discrimination in its hiring decisions, as required under the law. Challenges to getting employment may exist, however, for those with criminal histories.

    CT laws regarding hiring and prior offenses may be viewed at CGS Public Act No. 16-83, Bill No. 5237 - Jan 1 2017.