Heroes Tunnel Rehabilitation and route 15 Interchange 46 Improvements, CMAR Procurement

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is seeking Statements of Qualifications from Construction Manager/General Contractors for preconstruction services and construction of the Heroes Tunnel and Route 15 Interchange 46 Improvements in Hamden, Woodbridge, and New Haven, Connecticut, with submissions due September 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time via Bid Express. Prequalification in CTDOT Construction Classification Groups 7 (Road Construction and Rehabilitation: Limited Access Highways/Freeways), 9 (Intermediate Bridges), and 15 (Intelligent Transportation Systems) is mandatory and must be current by the submission deadline. An active Major Contractor's License from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is also required.

During preconstruction, the CM/GC will support CTDOT and two Designers of Record through constructability reviews, means and methods input, cost estimating, scheduling, risk identification, and innovative-approach evaluation. Construction scope includes concrete liner replacement at Heroes Tunnel; preservation of two bridges (00774A and 00774B); replacement of Bridge 00771; superstructure replacement and widening of Bridge 00772; full-depth roadway reconstruction; new ventilation systems with jet fans; electrical and communications infrastructure; and safety and security systems. The anticipated construction phase duration is approximately five years from notice to proceed to substantial completion.

The estimated construction cost is $250 to $300 million. The selected contractor must self-perform at least 40 percent of the total contract amount; work performed by Joint Venture members counts toward this requirement, but subcontractor work does not. DBE participation goals may be assigned for the construction phase as design progresses; no DBE goal applies to preconstruction. Prevailing wage rates established by the Connecticut Labor Commissioner and the U.S. Secretary of Labor will apply, with the higher rate governing in conflicts.

CTDOT will shortlist no more than four proposers by October 15, 2026 to advance to Step 2. The RFP is anticipated to be advertised October 15, 2026, with technical and price proposals due December 2, 2026, and an estimated contract award for preconstruction work targeted for February 15, 2027. The contract will consist of a separate Preconstruction Services Agreement and a Construction Contract with a Guaranteed Maximum Price to be negotiated during preconstruction using open-book estimating. An Independent Cost Estimator will verify that proposed GMP submissions remain within 110 percent of confidential cost estimates. A Project Labor Agreement is anticipated to be required.