First Impressions of the Temporary Closure of Rt. 202 in Bantam

We've been warned about this project for months Litchfield County commuters, but today was my first trip through the temporary Rt. 202 closure in Bantam.

Get our free mobile app

Summertime is road construction time, major roadways all across Connecticut are being milled down to the subsurface and repaved. I've been dreading today's commute to work for months because the roadway that I take every day to work, Rt. 202, is temporarily closed until August in Bantam/Litchfield due to a construction project. But, honestly? It wasn't all that bad.

Photo by Large Dave

Whichever you like to call it - Rt. 202 or Bantam Road - is now temporarily closed over the Still River in Bantam. The road closure signs are in the middle of 202 right past Arethusa's buildings, but they allow local traffic to pass through to get to businesses in the affected area, like the Bantam Arts Factory, Jackie's Restaurant, and Bantam Country Liquors. On the Western side the Detour signs are right near the Merritt Clarke Store, and that's the way I came up.

Photo by Large Dave

I timed my commute Westbound this morning, I took a left down 209 (Bantam Lake Road), took a right onto Benedict Road just past West Shore Seafood, a right onto Stoddard Road, and another right onto Wes Morris Road back to 202. At 4AM this detour took 3 minutes to get around. Inconvenience? I guess so? The speed limit is 25 instead of 45, and there are some areas of the detour that are 10MPH, but it only took me 3 minutes with no one around. I'm sure the delays will build as the day goes on, but my initial impression is eh, not bad. Good luck CT D.O.T., I hope the two months goes by quick.

The Best 'Made in Litchfield County' Products I've Tried Recently

I love supporting local businesses, it's vital in 2025 to try to devote as much of our income to our friends and neighbors, if not, the wave of closures will continue. I bought four products made in Litchfield County in the past few months that really impressed me. On a National stage, I believe they are as good, if not superior, to the name brands.

Gallery Credit: Large Dave

The Three Worst Parking Lots For The Nervous Drivers of Southbury

Do you ever dread going someplace because of it's parking lot? That's why I avoid any Trader Joe's in Connecticut. There are three parking lots along Main Street in Southbury where I can't let my guard down as I drive in.

Love Connecticut? These 8 Bingeworthy Shows Belong on Your Watchlist

If you’re all about Connecticut—the vibe, the culture, the aesthetic—then these eight bingeworthy TV shows belong on your radar (if they aren’t already). Some were directly inspired by real places here in the Nutmeg State, others are set against our familiar backdrop, and a few just capture that unmistakable Connecticut feel we know and love. Put these 8 Bingeworthy Shows Belong on Your Watchlist

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Categories: Articles