Work for both of the projects started Monday, with one initiative lasting through September, the other through November.
BERLIN, CT — Two state road projects that started Monday, July 14, could impact Berlin motorists for the duration of the summer and possibly into November for one of them.
According to the Town of Berlin, the most impacted roadways will be Route 9 and Route 71 as part of two separate projects.
Route 9
Town officials said the state Department of Transportation is conducting a "vegetation management program" for Route 9 in the towns of Cromwell, Berlin, and New Britain.
The impacted stretch of roadway is from exits 29 to 37, officials said.
Work was slated to start on Monday, July 14, with the project expected to last through Sept. 5.
"To ensure the safety of the public, CTDOT is removing dead, diseased, and decaying trees," wrote the DOT in an announcement. "Additionally, trees and vegetation that have grown into the clear zone, which is the safety space along the side of the roadway, are also being removed. This work helps save lives in the event of a crash or vehicle leaving the roadway."
The project, state officials said, will result in ramp and lane closures on the highway from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday to Friday, during the duration of the project.
The timeline is weather-dependent, and no work is planned around any scheduled holidays.
"Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in the area," wrote the DOT.
Route 71
Meanwhile, the DOT also announced that a "joint and crack sealing" initiative on several state roadways in central Connecticut also started Monday, July 14.
This work is designed to preserve vital sections of state highways, with 12 different roadways targeted.
In Berlin, a large section of Route 71 is on the state list of roads slated for this operation.
This will result in lane closures and detours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with traffic control personnel and signage guiding motorists through the work zone.
It is unclear when Berlin's portion of the project will commence, but the overall operation is expected to be complete by Nov. 7.
As with all road projects, state officials said the timeline for this one is also weather-dependent.