VHB, in partnership with contractors Manafort Brothers Incorporated (MBI) and Brunalli Construction Company (BCC), has won the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (CTDOT) design-build rehabilitation of four bridges carrying Route 72 through Plainville and New Britain, Connecticut.
VHB’s approach incorporates innovative design techniques, low-maintenance detailing, and high-quality materials to provide cost-effective solutions for the replacement of two bridge superstructures and effectively extend the service life of the rehabilitated structures for all four of the bridges. VHB is incorporating technologies such as model-based design to proactively identify challenges and develop design solutions that address issues, increase efficiency, and reduce schedule and construction risks. VHB’s integrated services for the project include structural design, highway design, traffic management, safety, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), water resources, and environmental.
With CTDOT issuing Notice to Proceed in late September, work on the project has already commenced. The design-build team recently submitted its Quality Management Plan to the Department and VHB is currently at work preparing Early Release for Construction (ERC) steel packages and semi-final design submissions for approval. Under the leadership of Design Manager Andrew Prezioso, PE, a Structures Team Leader at VHB and Deputy Design Manager John Hapkiewicz, PE, Director of Transportation – Connecticut, the project is expected to be completed in 2026.
Route 72 is a key transportation artery that connects the communities of New Britain and Plainville to Hartford and beyond. The expressway and its bridges play a vital role in providing mobility for local communities, businesses, schools, and state colleges.
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