Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced March 7 that a 2.9-mile stretch of Interstate 84 in Southington and Plainville is part of nearly 163 miles of state highways due to receive a facelift under a $50 million resurfacing program expected to gain approval when the state Bond Commission meets March 16.

The section of I-84 to be resurfaced runs from the Route 10 overpass to the Route 536 overpass. In all, the state is resurfacing 162.95 miles of highway – and when stretches of two-lane highway are factored in, a total of 209.08 miles of highway will receive new pavement.

“Between New England winters and steady traffic, none of Connecticut roads have it easy — but I-84 is among the most heavily traveled highways in the state,” Rell said. “We must do all we can to keep these economic arteries safe, functional and free-flowing.”

The resurfacing projects are joined on the Bond Commission agenda by a $27.8 million item that will fund repairs to 10 bridges around the state.