I-84 upgrades to open landlocked land

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) - The U.S. Senate is scheduled to begin debate this week on authorizing billions in spending on transportation projects, many of which are right here in Connecticut.

Those advocating for the massive spending bill say it will create thousands of jobs and open up big possibilities for economic development.

There's renewed hope that a federal transportation bill will help open up a 35 acre parcel of land that has become more or less landlocked in the area parallel to the Flatbush Avenue off-ramp from Interstate-84.
   
A recycling plant moved out of this parcel ten years ago.     
       
The DOT has a shovel ready plan to replace the 45 year old ramp, with a flyover structure and a separate exit to the now vacant recycling plant property.

"This project is a 'poster-child' for why this transportation bill means tens of millions of dollars for infrastructure, safety and transportation, more jobs and economic development throughout the state of Connecticut," said Senator Dick Blumenthal.
       
It's part of a larger rebuilding of what's known as the I-84 viaduct, the elevated highway on city's west side. The highway system is nearing the end of it's lifetime and a new version is expected to open up more land locked property in the city.

"It will help us recover more land that can be used for purposes that will both employ, bring construction jobs and at the same time, enhance our ability to raise some taxes," Mayor Pedro Segarra said.
      
Interstate 84 was designed in the 50's and built in the 1960's. Advocates say rebuilding it with an eye toward better use of the land near it only makes sense.
    
The owner of the land tells News 8 he has had interest from some developers who might want to put a big retail complex on the site, but he says they won't get serious until they know there's some sure way to get to it.