The Department of Transportation announced today that the Avon Truck Escape Ramp will reopen on July 15, 2008.  With the commencement of the opening, the truck ban will be lifted over Avon Mountain.

The closure was required for the installation of a pavement heating system and the final paving along the ramp.  The pavement heating system will eliminate the need to close the ramp during snow events throughout the winter months.  These construction activities are part of a $3.2 million dollar contract that is being constructed by Bourgeois & Shaw, Inc. of Simsbury, Connecticut under the direction of the Department of Transportation, District 4 Construction Office.  The entire project is expected to be completed on or before August 1, 2008.

Traffic Operations

Motorists can expect lane closures at all times, in either direction along this section of Route 44.   

At least one lane in either direction will be available at all times.    

Suggested Alternate Routes to Avoid Construction and for All Westbound Through Trucks over 13 Tons

For those traveling Route 44 Westbound

Take a right onto Route 218

Continue to the intersection Routes 218 & 185 (Hartford/Simsbury) Road

Take a left onto Route 185

Continue to the intersection with Route 10 & 202 (Hopmeadow Street)

Take a left onto Routes 10&202

Continue for 2 miles to the intersection of Routes 10, 202 & 44

For those traveling Route 44 Eastbound

Take a left onto Routes 10&202

Continue for the next 2 miles to the intersection of Routes 10, 202 & 185 (Hartford Road)

Take a right onto Route 185

Continue to the intersection of Routes 185 & 218

Take a right onto Route 218

Continue for the next 2 miles to the intersection of Routes 44 & 218

Construction signs and Local Police will be utilized for traffic control.