Connecticut
New Route 74 Bridge Opens In Tolland
TOLLAND, CT — The Connecticut Department of Transportation Tuesday officially announced the opening of the new Route 74 Bridge in Tolland.
The project included the demolition and replacement of the 108-year-old span over the Skungamaug River.
“I’m a happy man today,” Tolland Town Manager Brian Foley said at the bridge site.
Foley admitted he was “a little worried” that the project, which began in October and involved an April road closure, would run into the school year because of weather delays. But there he was Tuesday helping to cut the ceremonial ribbon in anticipation of a 4 p.m. opening.
“Believe me, we had contingency plans and then contingency plans. Not only were we concerned over the bus schedule, but Route 74 is the main artery from Troop C to our schools and that’s not only state police but it’s our police force.”
The significance was not lost on CTDOT Transportation Construction Administrator John Dunham.
He said, “Replacing the Route 74 bridge in Tolland is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of the community’s transportation infrastructure. Projects of this size may seem small scale, but they have an outsized impact in our communities. Thank you to the town of Tolland and ROTHA Contracting for their hard work and dedication to complete this bridge replacement ahead of schedule and on budget.”
Dunham said 1,500 cars pass over the bridge each day.
“I can’t say ‘finally’ to the openening. I have to say ‘already,” Foley said. “Thankfully, the Connecticut Department of Transportation completed the project with plenty of summer vacation left. We thank Governor Lamont and Commissioner Eucalitto for replacing our bridge, and we thank all the staff and workers at CTDOT for completing so early. CTDOT didn’t just build a bridge, they also build confidence in this great state agency.”
Built in 1916, the Route 74 Bridge needed replacing after recent field inspections and an engineering analysis determined the bridge deck and superstructure were in poor condition, DOT officials said. Foley said the lay of the land on one side and the remnants of a historic sawmill on the other made a temporary bridge impossible and Route 74 thus has to be closed during construction.
State Rep. and Tolland resident Tammy Nuccio said she has “gone over this bridge a gazillion times” and admitted the closure could have been considered a major inconvenience. But the work was received well, she said.
“I have not received one complaint from a Tolland resident about the project,” she said.
The pre-bridge closure work for the project involved building temporary access roads for utility work and installing a portion of bridge foundations. Minor work remaining includes final utility relocation and applicable markings on the roadway.
The project (DOT Project No. 0142-0152) was awarded to ROTHA Contracting Company, Inc., at a cost of $4,947,742.23. The project was 80 percent funded by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and 20 percent state-funded.
“We have fought hard to get projects like the bridge in this portion of the state,” State Sen. Jeff Gordon said. “It’s good to see this and a number of other projects getting these funds.”
Along with the 4 p.m. Tuesday opening, motorists can expect one-way alternating traffic on Route 74 (Tolland Stage Road) and Skungamaug Road until the remaining construction activities are completed, DOT officials said.
UPDATE: A winter storm warning has been issued for Fairfield, New Haven and Litchfield counties. A winter weather advisory is in effect for Hartford and Middlesex counties.
No advisories have been issued for New London, Tolland and Windham counties.
The weather service said in an update Thursday afternoon that 4 to 8 inches of snow is forecast for Fairfield County.
Find out what’s happening in Across Connecticutfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A total of 5 to 7 inches of snow is forecast for New Haven County but lesser amounts in eastern parts of the county.
“Total snow accumulations between 5 and 7 inches,” the weather service said concerning New Haven County. “The eastern portion of the county may see less snow with accumulations 3 to 5 inches.”
Find out what’s happening in Across Connecticutfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A winter weather advisory is in effect for Hartford County. “Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches.”
A winter storm warning is in effect for Litchfield County. “Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 8 inches.”
A winter weather advisory is in effect for Middlesex County. “Total snow accumulations between 3 and 5 inches.”
Original story: The weather itself on Christmas will be pleasant with temperatures rising into the 40s under sunny skies but with wind gusts approaching 30 mph at times.
This will all set the stage for an interesting but also complex snowstorm, which is scheduled to begin Friday evening. Folks residing in the western part of the state will see the most snow, possibly up to 7 inches of snow, while residents in the eastern part of the state could see as little as 1 to 3 inches of snow.
Snow could break out Friday afternoon in western parts of the state, while it may not start snowing until Friday night in eastern parts of Connecticut. The snow is forecast to mainly fall during the nighttime and overnight hours and should end by late morning Saturday.
Here is a full breakdown on the forecast for every county in the state via the National Weather Service:
Fairfield County snow details, via the weather service:
A winter storm watch remains in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. “Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 7 inches possible.” There is a 30 percent chance of snow after 1 p.m. Friday, but the storm really gets going in the evening hours.
New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties snow details, via the weather service:
“A winter storm system will affect the region Friday afternoon through Saturday morning with an accumulating, plowable snow,” the weather service said in a hazardous weather outlook.
There is a 20 percent chance of snow after 1 p.m. in western parts of New Haven County, where 3 to 7 inches of snow may accumulate.
In eastern parts of New Haven County and Middlesex County, 3 to 5 inches of snow is forecast. And in New London County, 2 to 4 inches of snow is forecast. The snow here won’t begin until Friday night.
Hartford County snow details, via the weather service:
Friday Night: Snow. Low around 19. Light northeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Saturday: Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 30. North wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
We are keeping a close eye on a low-pressure system that could bring plowable snow to the region Friday night into Saturday Morning. Uncertainty remains high, as guidance shows significant spread in the systems’ track. The best chances for 3+ inches of snow are in southwest CT. pic.twitter.com/vg1kdaLPS8
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) December 25, 2025
Read More:
Tolland County snow details, via the weather service:
Friday Night: Snow likely, mainly after 9pm. Cloudy, with a low around 17. Calm wind becoming northeast around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Saturday: Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 28. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Windham County snow details, via the weather service:
Friday Night: Snow likely, mainly after 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 18. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Saturday: Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 30. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Litchfield County snow details, via the weather service:
Friday: A slight chance of snow after 1pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 24. Wind chill values as low as -1. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday Night: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 16. Calm wind becoming east around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
Saturday: A chance of snow, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 27. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday and beyond forecast details for Connecticut, via the National Weather Service
Sunday: A chance of rain after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Night: A chance of rain and snow before 7pm, then snow likely between 7pm and 1am, then rain after 1am. Low around 27. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Monday: Rain, mainly before 4pm. High near 45. South wind 6 to 11 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: A chance of rain before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. West wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 32. West wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. West wind 6 to 8 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 34. Southwest wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
MERIDEN, Conn. (WFSB) – Governor Ned Lamont activated Connecticut’s severe cold weather protocols as arctic air moves into the state during the holiday period.
The protocols were set to go into effect Christmas Day at 5 p.m. and remain active until Sunday, Dec. 28. Warming shelters were expected to be open statewide during this period. Residents were told to call 211 to find a shelter near them.
Click HERE for the latest forecast from Channel 3’s meteorologists.
Families brave cold for holiday traditions
Despite the frigid temperatures, families continued holiday traditions at locations like Hubbard Park in Meriden, where visitors bundled up to see the Festival of Silver Lights.
“It’s a yearly thing we do every single year. We’re from the town and we’re local. It’s nice to be out here and see the lights,” said Erwin Ndwiga of Meriden.
His family member Melissa Ndwiga shared her cold weather strategy: “If I’m going to wear a short sleeve shirt, I always wear thermal wear under. A jacket. I usually have three to four layers on. Hat, earmuffs, gloves.”
Safety recommendations during cold snap
State officials recommend several precautions during the freezing stretch:
- Check heating devices to ensure they work properly.
- Limit pets’ time outdoors.
- Check on elderly neighbors and family members, who are most vulnerable during extreme cold.
- Do not use a stove or oven to heat your home due to potential gas, carbon monoxide, and fire hazards.
- Check your vehicle before traveling: tires, lights, brakes, and windshield wipers.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full and carry an emergency kit.
Residents can find a nearby warming shelter by calling 211 or clicking HERE.
Copyright 2025 WFSB. All rights reserved.
Gov. Ned Lamont activated the state’s severe cold weather protocol for the holiday and over the weekend.
The protocol begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday and will remain in effect until 10 a.m. Sunday as arctic air settles into the state.
In the afternoon on Christmas Day, a cold front will pass through Connecticut dropping temperatures down into the 10’s. Overnight wind chills are expected to fall into the single digits, with near-zero temperatures in some areas.
“Activating this protocol helps ensure that shelters and warming centers are available across the state to anyone in need,” the governor said in the announcement.
Anyone in need of a shelter or a warming center can call 211 or visit 211ct.org to find available locations. Transportation is available if needed.
For additional resources, head to the CT Prepares website.
Nonprofit uses underwater technology to search for missing service members
Hidden factor in cancer treatment timing may affect survival, researchers say
Taylor Swift shows up to support Travis Kelce for possible final home game
New iPhone scam tricks owners into giving phones away
Indian truckers sue California’s DMV for revoking their licenses
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Nonprofit uses underwater technology to search for missing service members
Best of 2025: Top five defining moments in the European Parliament
DOJ says it may need a ‘few more weeks’ to finish releasing Epstein files
Trump lists accomplishments, says ‘Radical Left Scum’ are ‘failing badly’ in Christmas message
Ukraine accepts demilitarised zone to end Russia war, but do DMZs work?
-
Maine1 week agoElementary-aged student killed in school bus crash in southern Maine
-
New Mexico1 week agoFamily clarifies why they believe missing New Mexico man is dead
-
Massachusetts1 week agoMIT professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro, a 47-year-old physicist and fusion scientist, shot and killed in his home in Brookline, Mass. | Fortune
-
Culture1 week agoTry This Quiz and See How Much You Know About Jane Austen
-
World6 days agoPutin says Russia won’t launch new attacks on other countries ‘if you treat us with respect’
-
Maine1 week agoFamily in Maine host food pantry for deer | Hand Off
-
Minneapolis, MN1 week agoMinneapolis man is third convicted in Coon Rapids triple murder
-
Politics1 week agoBorder Patrol chief, progressive mayor caught on camera in tense street showdown: ‘Excellent day in Evanston’