Connecticut Ranked 13th Most Bike Friendly State in the Country

🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Announces the League of American Bicyclists Ranks Connecticut One of the Most Bike Friendly States in The Country Posted on December 13 , 2024 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced that the League of American Bicyclists has ranked the state of Connecticut one of the most bike friendly states in the country based on the results of its 2024 Bicycle Friendly State Report Card. The biennial report card released by the nonprofit organization ranks all 50 states on a number of criteria, and Connecticut improved seven spots from the previous report released in 2022. In 2010, Connecticut was ranked 40th. Read the full 2024 Connecticut Report Card here. "I am incredibly proud of the progress the CTDOT and municipalities across Connecticut are making to improve safety and mobility for bicyclists. Through investments and programs, we're making it easier and safer for people to use active transportation," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "There is still more to do to ensure there are more bike lanes, paved trails, and bike-friendly accommodations across our state. I look forward to continuing this important work at CTDOT and with our partners throughout Connecticut." Since the 2022 Report Card, the CTDOT has made several new investments that are helping improve bicyclist safety in the state. The Safe Routes to School Program was restarted in January 2023 bringing bicycle & pedestrian safety education, encouragement, and community coordination to schools across Connecticut. A Complete Streets Design Directive was signed in August 2023, creating a strong implementation structure behind the existing CTDOT Complete Streets policy, and ensuring all future projects include bicycle-friendly designs. An Active Transportation Unit was created in December 2023 to improve bicycle and pedestrian outcomes through all CTDOT programs. An Active Transportation Microgrant program was launched in March 2024 and has been successful in empowering communities to take local action to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety. To read the full report card, and for more information about the League of American Bicyclists, visit BikeLeague.org. For more information about how the Connecticut Department of Transportation encourages, promotes, and improves walking, bicycling, and other forms of active transportation, visit ct.gov/dot. Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly

CTDOT Announces Statewide Plan to Expand Truck Parking

Project will expand truck parking by 44% around Connecticut. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Announces Statewide Plan to Expand Truck Parking Posted on December 6 , 2024 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced it launched a $31 million statewide project aimed at expanding truck parking facilities at five key locations across the state. This project addresses a longstanding challenge within the trucking industry: the need for more truck parking spaces to support drivers' safety and operational efficiency. The first phase of the project is underway at the Middletown rest area on Interstate 91 northbound. The project will add 11 new truck parking spaces, increasing capacity at this location by more than 40%. By the end of the decade, CTDOT plans to add more than 180 new truck parking spaces in Middletown, Madison, Southington, Southbury, and Vernon. Connecticut currently has approximately 420 truck parking spaces at public service plazas and rest areas. This expansion project will increase the state's public truck parking capacity to about 600 spaces, an increase of 44%. "During the COVID-19 pandemic, we heard truckers loud and clear when they called for more places to safely park along state highways," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "We are excited to begin these projects to improve safety for the trucking community, who keep our economy moving." "The Motor Transport Association of CT wholeheartedly applauds Commissioner Eucalitto and the Connecticut Department of Transportation for addressing the truck parking shortage issue head on," said Motor Transport Association of CT (MTAC) President John Blair. "The truck parking shortage has plagued the trucking industry for decades, and the consequences of insufficient capacity are as wide ranging as they are severe. The scarcity of truck parking spaces across the country decreases safety for all highway users, exacerbates the industry longstanding workforce challenges, diminishes trucking productivity, and results in unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions. The effort here in Connecticut will undoubtedly make our roads safer." "In Connecticut and nationally, truck parking shortages are a major safety concern," said John McAvoy, division administrator for the Federal Highway Administration's Connecticut Division. "With the projected growth in e-commerce and truck traffic, the demand for truck parking will continue to outpace the supply of public and private parking facilities and will only increase the truck parking problems experienced in Connecticut. It is essential that commercial truck drivers have access to safe, secure and accessible truck parking." Connecticut's freight transportation system is a critical component of the local, state, regional, and national economy, supporting more than 451,000 jobs and producing $50.5 billion annually in gross regional product. The statewide truck parking expansion project will be completed in phases over the next several years, significantly improving the availability of safe and secure parking for truck drivers throughout Connecticut. These projects are fully covered by state funds thanks to the continued support of Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut's state legislature. Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly

CTDOT is alerting the public that an elevator at the Bridgeport Transportation Center near Track 4 is out of service for repairs through the end of the year

Web Version     CTDOT Alerts Public of Elevator Outage at Bridgeport Transportation Center Posted on November 29 , 2024 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is alerting the public that an elevator at the Bridgeport Transportation Center near Track 4 is out of service for repairs through the end of the year. While the repairs are being completed, additional transportation accommodations are being provided to help customers reach their destinations safely.  While the sole elevator on the Water Street side of the Bridgeport Transportation Center is out of service, station ambassadors will be assisting customers using mobility aids or who would have difficulty using stairs, reach their destinations. Ambassadors will work with Metro-North Railroad to attempt to route trains to an opposite boarding platform with operational elevators. If that is not possible, ambassadors will call an on-call ADA accessible vehicle service at no charge to the customer. "We are working as quickly as we can to get the elevator back in service and limit disruptions to customers," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "While these repairs are underway, we're ensuring customers have accessible options to reach their destinations safely. We thank the public for their patience as this project moves forward." All rail customers are encouraged to pre-purchase their rail tickets before boarding. Customers may use the MTA TrainTime app or ticket vending machines conveniently located at most New Haven Line stations. For information on how to use the app, visit new.mta.info/traintime. For real-time service updates and information, customers can use the following options: MYmta app – Customers who use the comprehensive MYmta app will see real-time travel information for all MTA services in one place. new.mta.info – The "Service Status" box at new.mta.info is always the definitive source for the latest status for each line. For those who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available by dialing 511. Connecticut customers should call (877) 690-5114. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred service provider for the free 711 relay to reach the MTA at 511. Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly

Connecticut River Ferry Season to Close November 30

CTDOT reminds the public that historic ferries will close for the 2024 season on Saturday, November 30. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut River Ferry Season to Close November 30 Posted on November 14 , 2024 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) reminds the public that historic Connecticut River ferries will close for the 2024 season on Saturday, November 30. Until then, the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry and the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry will operate on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Services will not run on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2024. The two historic CTDOT owned and operated ferries are among the most unique modes of transportation in the country, where pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles are all welcome. Thus far this season, both ferries have carried nearly 102,000 passengers and roughly 45,000 vehicles across the Connecticut River. Ferry season 2024 opened on Friday, April 26. Both services were delayed from the anticipated April 1 start due to high water levels on the river. "Connecticut ferries provide a wonderful alternative option across the scenic Connecticut River," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "High water levels delayed the start of this season by several weeks, still warm temperatures have allowed thousands of commuters, cyclists, individuals, and families, to experience all the services Connecticut ferries have to offer. The public still has a couple weeks to travel on a historic ferry with Master Captains Blaise Clemente and John Kennedy and the CTferry crews. We look forward to a successful 2025 season next year on the Connecticut River." The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is the nation's oldest continuously operating ferry, first coming into service in 1655. It travels between Rocky Hill and Glastonbury on the Connecticut River, providing a crossing between Hartford and Middletown. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry launched service in 1769. It continues the scenic Route 148 between Chester and Hadlyme and is a shorter travel route than crossing over the East Haddam Swing Bridge. This year the Selden III, the vessel that transports the public across the river, celebrated its 75th year of service. While the ferries plan to close for the season on November 30, services may experience interruptions due to weather conditions, water levels, or mechanical issues. Any closures or delays will be posted on the CTDOT real-time travel and traffic website CTroads.org. For additional information on the ferries, including fares, schedules, and detailed history, please visit CT.gov/DOT/CTferries. Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly

CTDOT Encourages Safe Driving Habits During National Teen Driver Safety Week

National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 20-26, 2024 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Encourages Safe Driving Habits During National Teen Driver Safety Week Posted on October 19 , 2024 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to encourage parents, guardians, and caregivers to have important conversations with their teen drivers about road safety during National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 20-26, 2024. "Parents can play a vital role in shaping their teens' driving habits and safety awareness. Talking to your teens about the dangers of risky driving behaviors can be lifesaving," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "This week serves as a reminder that we must guide young drivers through the risks they face every day. Having these conversations can improve safety for everyone on our roadways." According to NHTSA, motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death for teens ages 15-18 in the U.S. In 2022, there were 2,514 people killed in crashes involving a teen (15-18 years old) driver. In Connecticut in 2022, an estimated 1,037 teen drivers (15-18 years old) were injured in motor vehicle crashes, and an estimated 2,033 people were injured in crashes involving teen drivers, accounting for almost 6% of all those injured on the roadway that year. Key risks for teen drivers include alcohol use, inconsistent or no seat belt use, especially in the back seat, distracted driving, drowsy driving, speeding, and having multiple passengers in the car. Parents and caregivers are urged to familiarize themselves with Connecticut's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws to better protect their teens on the road. As part of its ongoing commitment to educating teen drivers, the CTDOT Highway Safety Office will continue to bring two longstanding programs to Connecticut high schools during the 2024-2025 school year: Choices Matter: This program focuses on the dangers of impaired driving and will visit several Connecticut high schools during National Teen Driver Safety Week. For more information, visit choicesmatter.us. Save a Life Tour: This interactive program raises awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and will be stopping at several high schools throughout the state. Learn more at savealifetour.com. For more information on National Teen Driver Safety Week and tips on keeping teens safe behind the wheel, visit nhtsa.gov. Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly