O&G recently reached a major milestone on the I-91/I-691/Route 15 Interchange Improvements Program in Meriden, shifting Route 15 Northbound traffic onto the newly constructed portion of the Route 15 Northbound Bridge 1818 over I-91.
For O&G, this traffic shift represents months of coordination, long hours and complex field operations. Led by Superintendent Pete Hinman, the project team worked non-stop to prepare the new bridge section, roadway approaches, pavement markings, signage and traffic controls needed to safely move motorists into the next stage of construction. Key team members supporting this effort include Project Superintendents Fred Howe, Sitework; Kyle Cranney, Structures; Bill Giannini, Night Operations; and Corey Walker, Paving.
The new traffic pattern carries Route 15 Northbound motorists onto the new portion of Bridge 1818 south of East Main Street and continues north toward the Exit 65A and Exit 65B area. Posted signs and route-identifying shield pavement markings help guide drivers through the interchange toward Route 15 Northbound, I-691 Westbound, I-91 Northbound and Route 66 Eastbound.
For the traveling public, this milestone may look like a new traffic pattern. For the project team, it reflects months of work in an active interchange, where safety, sequencing and communication are critical every day.
“This is the kind of milestone that takes an entire team,” said O&G Superintendent Pete Hinman. “Our crews, subcontractors and project partners have been pushing hard for months to get to this point. Shifting traffic onto new infrastructure is a big step forward, and it allows us to keep the project moving while maintaining access through one of the region’s busiest interchange systems.”
The team’s efforts have also been recognized by the surrounding community. In a recent note of appreciation, nearby residents Ben and Laurie Smith thanked the O&G team for its courtesy and professionalism throughout the Paddock Avenue and Bridge 5382 transition milestone. Many team members helped make the transition as smooth as possible for residents including Corey Walker, Lou Eliadas, Fred Howe, David Castro-Bautista, Kyle Cranney, John Clapper, Vic Martins, Corey Slapikas, Marshall Wilson and many others while working day and night to completely reconstruct front yards, driveways, sidewalks and the city roadway.
This summer, much of O&G’s work will focus on moving traffic onto newly built highways, bridges and ramp structures while demolishing and removing outdated sections. Each shift creates room for the next major operation, including drainage, barriers, utilities, safety improvements and other critical project elements.
For O&G, the milestone is more than a traffic shift. It is a visible sign of progress, teamwork and the steady transformation of one of Connecticut’s most important highway connections.
