The Connecticut Department of Transportation held a virtual public information session on the upcoming Route 8 Design/Build project on Jan. 12 so that people could learn more about what is planned before work starts later this year. The project will go from exit 13 in Shelton to exit 22 in Seymour. Plans call for repaving the roadway, installing new lighting and new drainage. Once finished, that section of Route 8 will meet modern highway standards. The project is expected to be done by the end of 2024.

About 40 people attended the information session. A presentation from DOT project managers was followed by questions from attendees. Many of those who asked questions wanted to know if lighting along the road would be better after the project is done. Others asked about planned improvements to entrance ramps to the highway.

The project is expected to cost $77.3 million, and the federal government will contribute 80 percent of the cost, with the state paying for the rest.