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.
Connecticut
At least four injured after multi-vehicle accident involving bus in Bridgeport, per police
At least three people were taken to local hospitals after a multi-vehicle accident involving a public transit bus in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on Tuesday, according to the Bridgeport Police Department.
The collision took place at around 7:40 p.m. on the 500 block of Water Street, where officials located a Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority (GBTA) bus that struck at least six other vehicles and a wall of the Bridgeport train station.
Once at the scene, emergency medical officials transported several individuals to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment. Two people were taken to Bridgeport Hospital, and two others to St. Vincent’s Medical Center; the extent of their injuries was unknown, per authorities.
An MTA Facility Manager has responded to the scene to assess the structural damage, according to police.
Train service was not impacted on the Metro-North lines as a result of the nearby collision. However, traffic was impacted by the closure of the northbound lane of Water Street between State Street and John Street.
The Bridgeport Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team reported to the site of the crash to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Bridgeport Police Department Traffic Division, Sergeant Darryl Wilson, at 203-576-7640.
Connecticut
Owls, Storytimes, Lights, And Countdown Fun: Here’s What’s Happening Across Connecticut This Weekend
CONNECTICUT — The quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year’s is anything but dull in Connecticut. With schools on break and families looking for ways to get out of the house, towns across the state are rolling out kid-friendly programs, glowing light displays, museum activities, and creative ways to ring in the new year early — or right at midnight. From owls in Mystic to trolley rides in East Windsor and countdown celebrations from Torrington to Hartford, this weekend (Dec. 26–28, with New Year’s Eve events close behind) offers plenty of reasons to bundle up and explore.
In Mystic, nature lovers can spend Friday, Dec. 26, learning about one of the region’s most fascinating nocturnal creatures during Vacation Day: All About Owls at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Designed for kids on school break, the program introduces participants to local owl species through hands-on activities, live animal presentations, and outdoor exploration. It’s a great option for families looking to balance holiday downtime with educational fun.
Over in Greenwich, the Bruce Museum is hosting Once Upon a Museum: Winter Storytime from Friday through Sunday, Dec. 26–28. Held each morning, the program combines seasonal storytelling with museum exploration, offering young children a calm, creative start to the day. Parents can expect winter-themed books, light activities, and a welcoming introduction to museum spaces that keeps little listeners engaged without overwhelming them.
For families seeking something festive after dark, East Windsor is glowing thanks to Winterfest & the Winter Tunnel of Lights at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. Running on select dates including Dec. 26–28, the event features illuminated displays, holiday décor, and nighttime trolley rides through a sparkling tunnel of lights. The experience blends transportation history with holiday spectacle, making it a unique winter outing for all ages.
Meanwhile, Meriden continues its long-running seasonal tradition with the Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park, which remains on display through Jan. 2. The expansive park is transformed by thousands of white lights wrapped around trees, lining walkways, and reflecting off the park’s lake. Visitors can drive through or park and stroll, making it one of the state’s most accessible and popular holiday light displays.
As the weekend gives way to New Year’s Eve, Connecticut towns are preparing celebrations that range from family-friendly to full-scale citywide events. In Hartford, First Night Hartford 2026 takes over downtown on Tuesday, Dec. 31. This alcohol-free celebration features live music, dance, comedy, ice skating, fireworks, and activities spread across multiple indoor and outdoor venues. It’s one of the state’s largest New Year’s Eve events and a longtime tradition for families and night owls alike.
For those with younger children who won’t make it to midnight, Torrington offers KidsPlay Countdown on Dec. 31. Hosted by the KidsPlay Children’s Museum, the event allows kids to celebrate the new year with games, activities, and a countdown timed just for them. It’s festive without being overwhelming and lets families enjoy the excitement of New Year’s Eve without late-night fatigue.
Another early celebration takes place in East Lyme, where Countdown to Noon gives families a chance to ring in the new year before lunchtime. With music, activities, and a midday countdown, the event is tailored to younger children who want the thrill of a New Year’s celebration without staying up past bedtime.
Altogether, this post-holiday weekend highlights the best of Connecticut’s winter programming: educational nature programs, calm museum mornings, glowing light displays, and creative countdowns that meet families where they are. Whether you’re exploring owls in Mystic, riding a trolley through lights in East Windsor, listening to stories in Greenwich, or planning ahead for a New Year’s countdown in Hartford, Torrington, or East Lyme, there’s no shortage of ways to close out 2025 and step into 2026 with a sense of wonder.
Connecticut
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