CTDOT invests $10 million in rural communities for transportation upgrades, supporting road improvements, bridge replacements and sidewalk extensions in eight towns. Gov. Lamont emphasizes the importance of safety and connectivity for residents and future generations through the TRIP program established in 2022.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto announced June 30, 2025, that $10 million in funding is being awarded to eight rural communities in the state through the Transportation Rural Improvement Program (TRIP).
The state grant initiative is administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and is designed to support rural communities, which are often ineligible for many federal transportation programs.
Lamont said in a statement that that ineligibility is due to "their size or density, and the state's TRIP program fixes [the] problem."
"Our smaller towns are one of the many things that make Connecticut such a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family," he said. "More importantly, these state grants will not only strengthen transportation but help to ensure our communities remain safe and connected for future generations."
Eucalitto echoed the governor's comments when he said, "This program helps rural communities deliver important safety improvement projects that may otherwise have been shelved due to a lack of funding. No matter the population size, Connecticut's municipalities deserve to have access to funding and programs that can improve safety and mobility."
The eight selected projects include:
• Roadway improvements in Barkhamstead, where a $1.8 million effort will repave and enhance West River Road, a 4.04-mi. scenic road running along the West Branch of the Farmington River. The roadway is a vital corridor through the American Legion State Forest and passes the Austin Hawes State Campground connecting the Pleasant Valley section of town to the historic Village of Riverton.
• A $2 million project to upgrade Flanders Road in the community of Bethlehem. The work includes paving, drainage and safety improvements for the 1.6-mi. route. Flanders Road provides connectivity between U.S. Highway 6 in Woodbury and Conn. Highway 61 in Bethlehem, linking the two town centers.
• The replacement of Lyman Road Bridge in Bolton. This $1.4 million job will replace the existing twin 6-ft.-diameter asphalt coated corrugated metal pipe culverts with an 18-ft. clear span by 6-ft. rise precast concrete box culvert. Lyman Road connects several neighborhoods to other nearby towns, as well as provides access to Gay City State Park, and shopping and entertainment opportunities for a significant area of Bolton.
• Roadway improvements on West Chippen Road in Burlington, which will be performed at a cost of $1.5 million. The project includes full-depth reconstruction of the corridor and drainage upgrades designed to make conditions safer for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. In the vicinity of the project area are the Session Woods Wildlife Management Area and the Tunxis Trail hiking area. In addition, West Chippen Road provides an alternate travel route from Bristol to Burlington.
• A $1.5 million effort in Columbia will rehab the Thompson Hill Road bridge over Clark Brook. There, crews will replace the 5-ft.-diameter precast concrete culvert with a three-sided, 18-ft. clear span concrete frame designed to address frequent flooding and road damage caused by inadequate drainage. The new culvert will improve water flow to reduce the flood risk and enhance the durability and safety of the roadway. Thompson Hill Road serves as a critical connector between two major state routes, Conn. 6 and Conn. 66, ensuring efficient transportation for residents, commuters and businesses.
• A rehabilitation of the West Hyerdale Drive bridge over the Marshapaug River in Goshen. This $1.5 million project includes lining four existing corrugated metal pipe culverts that are expected to extend the life of the bridge for an estimated 75 years. The roadway connects neighborhoods and provides the shortest route for both emergency vehicles and the public to access Goshen's town center.
• Upgrades also are scheduled in the town of Litchfield along Campville Road at a cost of $968,000. This work calls for a full-depth reconstruction of the roadway and drainage improvements, which will make conditions safer for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. Campville Road serves a critical link between Conn. 8 and Conn. 254, in addition to providing access from Conn. 8 to facilities such as Humaston Brook State Park, Northfield Brook Lake Park and Topsmead State Forest.
• A $341,179 sidewalk extension along Lake Road in Marlborough will add more than 300 ft. of surface for pedestrians, as well as provide upgrades to existing crossing technology on North Main Street. Construction of this segment of the sidewalk completes the interconnection between Blish Park and the Elmer Thienes/Mary Hall Elementary School passing through the town center.
Connecticut's TRIP program was established in 2022 and is fully supported by state funding. The first round of awards was announced in January 2024, with $9 million in grants issued. Future TRIP grant opportunities will be announced later this year, pending funding availability, according to CTDOT.
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