Tolls Projected—Connecticut's I-84...

[ApS]

Fortunately, Connecticut's "Big Dig" will be a long, long, study...

"Connecticut abolished tollbooths more than 30 years ago, and every attempt to reinstate them since has been blown out of the water. But that would have to change, says U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, D-1st District, should his proposed underground highway system in Hartford become reality.

"For the last eight months Larson has talked to nearly every civic group, news editorial board, local business, municipal government, state agency, and federal office, trying to drum up support for his proposed $10 billion “big dig” project.

"So far, support has been hit or miss for the plan that would sink interstates 84 and 91 under the capitol city and the Connecticut River — creating tunnels east to west from Roberts Street in East Hartford to Flatbush Avenue in Hartford’s west end, and north to south from the Meadows to Frog Hollow, with a cloverleaf interchange somewhere underneath Coltsville National Historical Park in Hartford.

"Federal funding is highly questionable, even from a presidential administration that campaigned on rebuilding the country’s failing infrastructure. Another fiscal hurdle is a combative state legislature that can’t adopt its own budget on time.

"Still, Larson, who is one of the lead Democrats on the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, says he’s confident he can wrangle 90 percent of the funds out of the federal government, leaving Connecticut to finance the remaining 10 percent.

"Last month Larson introduced legislation that would allocate $1 trillion for infrastructure projects throughout the country, which he hopes will include his own pet project, without affecting the national debt. The proposed bill would raise the funds by imposing a carbon tax on fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas. The revenue would be placed in a designated fund to be used solely for infrastructure projects.

"But tolls will have to be part of the Hartford project, Larson said Wednesday during a meeting with the Journal Inquirer.

“I think that would be inevitable,” the East Hartford native said, adding that if nothing else, tolls would be needed to pay for ongoing maintenance of the ambitious and colossal construction. Besides, every surrounding state with the exception of Vermont uses the much safer electronic transponder tolls to their advantage, while Connecticut gives every motorist and trucker passing through the state a free ride, he said.

“We subsidize every other state’s roads — it just doesn’t seem fair,” he added.

"But the real irony is that the Connecticut River’s levees and viaduct systems need to be redone anyway, he notes.

"Designed in response to the floods of 1936 and 1938, the existing system of embankments is prone to “underseepage,” according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It’s unlikely water would crest over the elevated mounds, but much like the levee failure in the New Orleans 9th Ward during Hurricane Katrina, the Connecticut hills meant to hold back rising waters are built atop alluvial sand deposits that can allow the rushing river to percolate through the bottom and breach the embankment from underneath.

"Engineers are now conducting surveys and plans to shore up the system.

"That makes now the perfect time, Larson said, to consider including in the plans a system of concrete tunnels to carry traffic across the city underground, while above connecting neighborhoods long separated by elevated highways, exposing the downtown to the riverfront, and spurring development in prime real estate locations now covered by eight lanes of blacktop highway.

"Larson said there were lessons learned from other similar projects, like the $15 billion dig to the north that buried Boston’s central artery and was plagued with cost overruns, over 500 leaks, and a fatal ceiling cave-in that killed a passing motorist.

"Badly mixed concrete was a factor, “something we now know a lot about down here,” Larson said, referring to the recent rash of homeowners dealing with crumbling concrete foundations.

"Estimated to cost $2.6 billion at the outset, Massachusetts still is paying the bill 10 years later on the final tab that came to $24 billion when interest on debt was factored into the equation.

"Still, while most Bostonians groused and griped throughout the constant construction and delays, many now grudgingly agree that the suffering paid off.

"Having learned from Boston’s construction mistakes, and with an administration ready and willing to pour federal money into infrastructure and job creation, it makes sense to expand the levee study to include plans to bury the Hartford highways, Larson said.

“We want to have the bags packed and ready to go should the opportunity arise,” he said."

[SIKSUKR]

And why is this here in the Wini forum?

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

And why is this here in the Wini forum?

Many of us use l I-84 in Connecticut to travel to the lake

[ghfromaltonbay]

Originally Posted by joey2665

Many of us use l I-84 in Connecticut to travel to the lake

Yes, those of us from NJ and NY use I84 to travel to the lakes region. We pay enough tolls already thank you.

[Kamper]

They got rid of their tollbooths because they did not have toll plazas. The booths were plunked down across the travel lanes (on the roads that I remember using) and a series of fatal accidents caused them to reconsider.

With transponder and open road tolling technology, the installation costs would be fairly low. Face it, roads and bridges have to be paid for somehow. I bet the CT fuel taxes stay high though.

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by joey2665

Many of us use l I-84 in Connecticut to travel to the lake

Thats a stretch. I see NJ has construction on I-295 and I-287. I'll post a new thread on that one also.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

Thats a stretch. I see NJ has construction on I-295 and I-287. I'll post a new thread on that one also.

There has been a lot of construction in Connecticut on 15 and still on 95 that’s why I try to travel off hours but late night construction can be worse than rush hour traffic. Also the new plazas by 84/90 in Massachusetts and 290/90 have been going on for over a year. . Eventually it will be better but when?


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[BroadHopper]

I use 91 to 9 to avoid all the nightmares. May be longer on the GPS but if you figure in traffic, accidents etc. its actually less time!

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I use 91 to 9 to avoid all the nightmares. May be longer on the GPS but if you figure in traffic, accidents etc. its actually less time!

Thanks for the tip. Been traveling up there for over 10 years and never used 9, I will definitely give it a try.

[MeredithMan]

We lived in CT for 7+ years and we would take the 91 to 9 path usually on holiday weekends, when we knew that the Mass Pike and 495 would crawl. One word of advice....there is pretty much nothing on Rte 9 between Keene and Concord and it can be a looonnnggg 40-50 miles if you get stuck behind Clem and his truck full of hay, so make your pee stop before you get on 9!

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by meredithman

we lived in ct for 7+ years and we would take the 91 to 9 path usually on holiday weekends, when we knew that the mass pike and 495 would crawl. One word of advice....there is pretty much nothing on rte 9 between keene and concord and it can be a looonnnggg 40-50 miles if you get stuck behind clem and his truck full of hay, so make your pee stop before you get on 9!

thank you for the heads up!!!

[whalebackpoint'r]

We learned a long time ago to avoid CT at all costs. Lately we have been making our way over to I87 via I91 and the Mass Pike to NY throughway. I87 is a direct shot to I84, Garden State Pkwy or NYC and all points south or west. It's a bit longer but far more enjoyable. Going through CT is a horror show. As far as tolls are concerned, it's about a wash. The throughway is a free ride over the Hudson River. If you like scenic driving, the Taconic Parkway is nice but slow and lots of speed traps. And if you are going west, you still pay to cross the Hudson.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by whalebackpoint'r

We learned a long time ago to avoid CT at all costs. Lately we have been making our way over to I87 via I91 and the Mass Pike to NY throughway. I87 is a direct shot to I84, Garden State Pkwy or NYC and all points south or west
. It's a bit longer but far more enjoyable. Going through CT is a horror show.

Unfortunately I don't have a choice. I avoid as much as possible by taking a ferry from Long Island but anything else is too far out of the way

[ghfromaltonbay]

Originally Posted by MeredithMan

We lived in CT for 7+ years and we would take the 91 to 9 path usually on holiday weekends, when we knew that the Mass Pike and 495 would crawl. One word of advice....there is pretty much nothing on Rte 9 between Keene and Concord and it can be a looonnnggg 40-50 miles if you get stuck behind Clem and his truck full of hay, so make your pee stop before you get on 9!

On the recommendations from my NH friends, I tried the 9 to 91 route heading back to NJ after Presidents' weekend. Travelled on Tuesday morning. Got stuck behind 2 tanker trucks almost all the way to Keene. Between crawling up hills & having wet road spray from the trucks (and no passing zones) I have never tried that route again. Added almost 45 minutes to my 5 1/2 trip & more than 20 miles to the usual 305. I will stick with Merritt Pkwy to 91 & 84. I go around Hartford on Rte. 3 to 2 west and catch 84E in East Hartford.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by joey2665

There has been a lot of construction in Connecticut on 15 and still on 95 that’s why I try to travel off hours but late night construction can be worse than rush hour traffic. Also the new plazas by 84/90 in Massachusetts and 290/90 have been going on for over a year. Eventually it will be better but when?

As a roadway, I'd long considered I-84 a state-long hazard and considered changing to I-95 from/to southern Massachusetts. (My usual stopover from/to the Lake).

Today, three weeks after originally posting projected I-84 changes, I came across a remark that I-95 through CT is a "highway of death", and now among America's 100-worst highways.

http://www.courant.com/opinion/op-ed...818-story.html

.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by ApS

As a roadway, I'd long considered I-84 a state-long hazard and considered changing to I-95 from/to southern Massachusetts. (My usual stopover from/to the Lake).



Today, three weeks after originally posting projected I-84 changes, I came across a remark that I-95 through CT is a "highway of death", and now among America's 100-worst highways.



http://www.courant.com/opinion/op-ed...818-story.html



.

I use 95 at little as possible. I come over on the ferry to Bridgeport and try to move north to the Merritt Pkwy. Although it’s only two lanes and curvyI still find it a better and safer ride than 95.


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[Descant]

I agree with others that, while people come from all over, roads in other states are not germane to a web site focused on the NH Lakes Region.

[ghfromaltonbay]

Originally Posted by Descant

I agree with others that, while people come from all over, roads in other states are not germane to a web site focused on the NH Lakes Region.

According to the poll taken by our Webmaster, over 45% of the members replying live 100 or more miles from the lake. Most of us who fall in the >300 mile category travel thru several states to arrive at our "happy places". I am glad to know when someone offers a shortcut or alert about construction to avoid. Since Descant has it easy living in Merrimack NH, I guess he doesn't think these updates are necessary for getting to the LAKES REGION.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by Descant

I agree with others that, while people come from all over, roads in other states are not germane to a web site focused on the NH Lakes Region.

This topic is absolutely germane to the forum. Many of us travel through or live in Connecticut to get to the lake. Honestly, how can you really say this is not relevant? There are a slew of other threads on the forum that are much less "germane" than travel information to the lake.

[webmaster]

Originally Posted by joey2665

This topic is absolutely germane to the forum. Many of us travel through or live in Connecticut to get to the lake. Honestly, how can you really say this is not relevant? There are a slew of other threads on the forum that are much less "germane" than travel information to the lake.

I agree. The "Getting Here" section of the forum was intended for exactly the kind of discussion and information being shared in this thread.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by webmaster

I agree. The "Getting Here" section of the forum was intended for exactly the kind of discussion and information being shared in this thread.

Thanks Button!

[hockeypuck]

First let me say I am a Connecticut resident and I certainly approve of all those of you that drive around Connecticut on your way north. This is a case of “Nobody goes there anymore, it’s too crowded”. Yes our highways are over crowded for many reasons one of which are two Casinos that attract large numbers of cars from surrounding states. That said, when I head north I use the I 91, route 9 path. Takes me 15 minutes longer but much more enjoyable. I don’t recommend route 9 if you’re pulling a trailer, too many hills and curves. Connecticut which does not charge tolls is surrounded by states that all charge tolls. It’s only a matter of time and CT will join the party and charge all those that enjoy the white knuckle ride through our state.

[moose tracks]

Originally Posted by hockeypuck

when I head north I use the I 91, route 9 path. Takes me 15 minutes longer but much more enjoyable.

Only trouble with taking I-91 is that you can't get a reuben at Rein's Deli for lunch.

[Joebon]

I prefer the Rachel at Reins


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[joey2665]

Originally Posted by moose tracks

Only trouble with taking I-91 is that you can't get a reuben at Rein's Deli for lunch.

I've passed the sign for Rein's on 84 100's of times but never stopped. Is it that good and how far is it off 84 (easy on/off for a quick stop)

[8gv]

Originally Posted by joey2665

I've passed the sign for Rein's on 84 100's of times but never stopped. Is it that good and how far is it off 84 (easy on/off for a quick stop)

I used to live a few miles from there. It is very good. They have something for everyone.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by 8gv

I used to live a few miles from there. It is very good. They have something for everyone.

Definitely will give it a try

Thank you

[ghfromaltonbay]

Originally Posted by joey2665

I've passed the sign for Rein's on 84 100's of times but never stopped. Is it that good and how far is it off 84 (easy on/off for a quick stop)

Heading on 84E Rein's is not far off Exit 64/65 in Vernon. On ramp stay right for Exit 65. Rein's is in a shopping plaza on the left about 2 or 3 lights up. Heading home on 84W, take Exit 65 and make a right at light. Rein's will be on your left in the plaza. NY style Deli with huge sandwiches. Also good bagels.

This year we found a real gem....Papa T's off Exit 68 (Tolland, CT). You can see it from 84 up on the hill next to the large Subway restaurant. Papa T's is in a small strip mall next to NAPA Auto Parts. They have excellent sandwiches (most under $7) and great pizza and the place is cute, super clean including the rest rooms. Quick on/off 84. Directly across the road is a very nice, fairly new Dunkin Donuts as well. Two gas stations also located on either side of the road. Much better sandwiches and a lot less expensive than Subway, and the atmosphere is also a lot nicer. Wainscoting and comfortable booths + counter seats.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by ghfromaltonbay

Heading on 84E Rein's is not far off Exit 64/65 in Vernon. On ramp stay right for Exit 65. Rein's is in a shopping plaza on the left about 2 or 3 lights up. Heading home on 84W, take Exit 65 and make a right at light. Rein's will be on your left in the plaza. NY style Deli with huge sandwiches. Also good bagels.

This year we found a real gem....Papa T's off Exit 68 (Tolland, CT). You can see it from 84 up on the hill next to the large Subway restaurant. Papa T's is in a small strip mall next to NAPA Auto Parts. They have excellent sandwiches (most under $7) and great pizza and the place is cute, super clean including the rest rooms. Quick on/off 84. Directly across the road is a very nice, fairly new Dunkin Donuts as well. Two gas stations also located on either side of the road. Much better sandwiches and a lot less expensive than Subway, and the atmosphere is also a lot nicer. Wainscoting and comfortable booths + counter seats.

Thanks for the options. After all these years I’ve been looking for something a little different I’m going to give both a try



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[moose tracks]

Originally Posted by joey2665

I've passed the sign for Rein's on 84 100's of times but never stopped. Is it that good and how far is it off 84 (easy on/off for a quick stop)

Rein’s gets busy especially during the lunch hour. During the lunch rush, there is usually a wait line for a table. Also, the kitchen is busy so the food can be slow to arrive to your table. What we do is call our order in from the road about 20 mins out. We then pick up our order in the take out line and eat it at one of the picnic tables located outside or in the car depending on the weather. That way we can get in and out and make it a quick stop.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by moose tracks

Rein’s gets busy especially during the lunch hour. During the lunch rush, there is usually a wait line for a table. Also, the kitchen is busy so the food can be slow to arrive to your table. What we do is call our order in from the road about 20 mins out. We then pick up our order in the take out line and eat it at one of the picnic tables located outside or in the car depending on the weather. That way we can get in and out and make it a quick stop.

Great tip. I️ very rarely sit and eat when I️ stop. Quick pick up and bathroom break and back in the road. I️ also try to travel off rush hour traffic hours not easy though with a 5 hour trip.


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[Joebon]

Just remember that Reins is in Vernon, Connecticut, not the lower east side of Manhattan. So, don’t go there expecting Katz’s. It’s really good for what it is.


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[joey2665]

Originally Posted by Joebon

Just remember that Reins is in Vernon, Connecticut, not the lower east side of Manhattan. So, don’t go there expecting Katz’s. It’s really good for what it is.


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Doesn’t need to be Katz’s but a good alternative to fast food or the Charlton rest stop.


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[Pineedles]

First off, I've lived in CT for 35 years and am currently living with the I 84 nightmare in Waterbury right now. I can't even imagine what a "big dig" in Hartford would mean to normal commutes, much less trying to "pass thru" CT for Winni travelers.

Previous to my 35 years here I was a NJ resident for nearly 30 years, many of which we had to contend with no I 84 existing. As a child I felt CT was the biggest state in the Union because it took so damn long to get through. Merritt Parkway took us just so far, and then it was the Berlin turnpike (Ugh!) to catch old I 87 to the MASS Pike. Then, even when 84 was completed to Hartford, we had to get off into downtown Hartford to pickup 87. What a debacle!

Lastly, Rein's deli isn't Katz but its as close as one can get. If you want to get a seat inside when it's busy head into the back where the bar is located. Typically you can can a seat at a table or at the bar without having to wait in-line at the front.

[ghfromaltonbay]

Originally Posted by joey2665

Great tip. I️ very rarely sit and eat when I️ stop. Quick pick up and bathroom break and back in the road. I️ also try to travel off rush hour traffic hours not easy though with a 5 hour trip.


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Papa T's also does food to go. I noticed a few local workers coming in for phoned in orders or they ordered to go at the counter. I usually leave NJ before 6:30 am and the 305 mile trip takes just a little over 5 hours too. Usually arrive at Alton Bay just before noon if all goes well.
The roadwork on 84 in Waterbury seems to be a never-ending project. I had a friend who lived in Portland, CT, and they were working on the road whenever I went to visit him. He died in 1997 so you KNOW this project is taking forever. I have been using the Merritt Pkwy to 91 and then cutting over Rte 3 north in Wethersfield to Rte 2 in East Hartford. I pick up 84E in East Hartford and avoid the downtown stretch. Usually from East Hartford to the Mass Pike is good sailing on 84 as I hit it after the morning rush hour.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by ghfromaltonbay

Papa T's also does food to go. I noticed a few local workers coming in for phoned in orders or they ordered to go at the counter. I usually leave NJ before 6:30 am and the 305 mile trip takes just a little over 5 hours too. Usually arrive at Alton Bay just before noon if all goes well.

The roadwork on 84 in Waterbury seems to be a never-ending project. I had a friend who lived in Portland, CT, and they were working on the road whenever I went to visit him. He died in 1997 so you KNOW this project is taking forever. I have been using the Merritt Pkwy to 91 and then cutting over Rte 3 north in Wethersfield to Rte 2 in East Hartford. I pick up 84E in East Hartford and avoid the downtown stretch. Usually from East Hartford to the Mass Pike is good sailing on 84 as I hit it after the morning rush hour.

Where is Papa T’s?


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[8gv]

Originally Posted by joey2665

Doesn’t need to be Katz’s but a good alternative to fast food or the Charlton rest stop.


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My friend who owns the Charlton rest stop would prefer that you skip all other alternatives.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by 8gv

My friend who owns the Charlton rest stop would prefer that you skip all other alternatives.

. Sorry I really don’t give your friend a lot of business. Lol. It takes way too long to park get in and get out. Always way too crowded.


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[ghfromaltonbay]

Originally Posted by joey2665

Where is Papa T’s?


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Joey,

Papa T's is by Exit 68 on 84 (also UConn exit). Heading toward NH, take exit 68 and make a left at the light at the end of the ramp. Go over the top of 84 and after the light you will see a large Subway on your left with a small strip mall just above it. They share a driveway off the road. Papa T's is the first store on the left of this strip mall. NAPA auto parts is at the other end. The Dunkin Donuts across the road is also good. Usually not too crowded and very clean restrooms. Papa T's is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Very quick on/off 84. You can see the highway from the parking lot.

[joey2665]

Thank you I’m going to give both Reins and Papa T’s a try.


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