CTDOT eAlert: News from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation Connecticut DOT Issues Safety Tips and Reminds Residents to be "Pedestrian Aware" with Upcoming Time Change Posted on October 28 , 2020 October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and in conjunction with the upcoming shift to Eastern Standard Time, the Connecticut Department of Transportation's Highway Safety Office strongly urges motorists and pedestrians to be more alert to roadway risks as the end of Daylight Saving Time approaches. The change to Eastern Standard Time, occurring on November 1, at 2:00 AM, means drivers' evening commutes will suddenly switch from daylight driving, to dark, nighttime driving conditions, with the sun going down as or before most motorists begin their afternoon commutes home. The change is literally – night and day. The most obvious increase in danger is a result of poorer visibility – motorists will rush home, now in darkness, when only a few days prior, they were still commuting during daylight hours. Pedestrians, who were easily visible before, in all likelihood, will be significantly less visible to motorists as a result of the time shift. "Our top priority is safety and we all have a role to play," said Joseph Giulietti, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Transportation. "I urge everyone, whether you're a pedestrian or a motorist, to look out for one another, to remain alert, drive cautiously, avoid distractions, and follow the rules of the road." According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), twenty-six percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred from 6 to 8:59 p.m. in 2018. There are steps motorists can take to help reduce or prevent injuries and tragic loss of life on Connecticut's roadways: 1. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility. 2. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather. 3. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk. 4. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the cross-walk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too. 5. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can't see. 6. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 7. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street. 8. Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present. 9. Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path. Additional safety information, including tips for parents, caregivers and children can be found at NHTSA's Pedestrian Safety Page here. 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 eAlert: News from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Announces $18 Million in State Local Bridge Program Grant Funding Available to Municipalities - Communities Encouraged to Apply Before November 30, 2020 Posted on October 26 , 2020 The Connecticut Department of Transportation today announced that the Department is now accepting Fiscal Year 2021 State grant applications from Connecticut cities and towns for the State Local Bridge Program (SLBP). This grant program provides funding to Connecticut towns and cities for the removal, replacement, reconstruction or rehabilitation of local bridges. There are about 4,200 bridges and culverts on locally-owned, municipally controlled roadways across the state. The Connecticut General Assembly created the SLBP in 1984 to provide state grant funding to assist municipalities in offsetting the costs for maintaining these critically important local structures. There is $18 million available for SLBP grant awards. The application period is now open and the Department will be accepting applications through November, 30, 2020.   Interested towns and cities should visit the CTDOT's SLBP website at www.ct.gov/dot/localbridge for more information and materials to apply for funding. 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 eAlert: News from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation Train Service Set to Resume on the Waterbury Branch on Monday, October 26, 2020 Posted on October 23 , 2020 The Connecticut Department of Transportation is pleased to announce the resumption of train service on the Waterbury Branch Line, beginning Monday, October 26, 2020. The restoration of rail service follows a six-month suspension and bussing of the service, to allow rail line construction projects to be accelerated. During the suspension, the CTDOT and Metro-North Railroad accelerated components of a $116 million dollar capital improvement project to enhance service reliability and enable increased Waterbury Line rail service in the future.  Work on the line includes signal and communications upgrades, track improvements, rail siding installation (to allow trains to pass), and bridge repairs to three major rail bridges in Derby, Seymour, and Naugatuck. The remaining work will be completed in 2021. "Waterbury Branch improvements, not only to support and improve current operations but also future enhancements in the service, have been long overdue," Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said. "I extend my appreciation to our customers who patiently tolerated the inconveniences, while at the same time our crews were able to accomplish so much work in such a short period." All rail customers are encouraged to pre-purchase their rail tickets before boarding. Customers may use the MTA eTix smartphone application or ticket vending machines at New Haven Line stations. CTDOT and Metro-North Railroad would like to remind customers to always wear a mask or face covering and to practice social distancing to the greatest extent possible at stations and onboard trains. The Centers for Disease Control recommends a distance of six feet from others, when possible. Customers who feel sick should not use public transportation. The updated Waterbury Line train schedule is available at www.mta.info/mnr. Customers are encouraged to check the schedules and status of service before they travel. Connecting bus service to Waterbury will be provided for the New Haven Line train scheduled to arrive in Bridgeport at 5:43 p.m. For information on how to use the MTA eTix app visit www.mta.info/mta-etix. 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 eAlert: News from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT News Media Advisory Posted on October 2 , 2020 On Monday, October 5, 2020, CTDOT officials will once again distribute free face masks to Connecticut rail and bus passengers at various locations around the state. Under an Executive Order issued by Governor Ned Lamont, masks are required on all buses and trains. CTDOT also reminds bus riders that fare enforcement will resume on Monday, October 5.                   WHO: CTDOT officials                 WHAT: Free mask distribution to rail and bus riders                 WHEN: Times listed below                 WHERE: Locations listed below   CTrail Stations: (times as noted)                   New Haven Union Station – 7-9 am, 3-6 pm                 Stamford Station – 7-9 am, 3-5:30 pm                 Bridgeport Station – 7-9 am                 Hartford Union Station – 7:15-9:30 am, 3-5:30 pm                 Old Saybrook Station – 6:30-8:45 am                 West Haven Station – 7-9 am   CTtransit Service Areas: (7-9 am and 3-5 pm, plus as noted)   CTfastrak (New Britain/Newington/West Hartford/Hartford) – Downtown New Britain CTfastrak Station, 327 Main Street, New Britain; Onboard buses and at all other CTfastrak stations; CTtransit pulse point at Columbus and Bank Streets (10 am – 12 pm)   Hartford – CTtransit Customer Service and Sales Outlet located at State and Market Streets, adjacent to the Old State House   New Haven – CTtransit Customer Service and Sales Outlet located on the New Haven Green at Chapel Street   Stamford - CTtransit Customer Service and Sales Outlet located on the lower level of the Stewart B. McKinney Transportation Center in the passageway from North State Street   Waterbury - Exchange Place (Downtown Center), Waterbury   Meriden – Meriden Train Station, 60 State Street, Meriden   Other Transit Providers: (7-9 am and 3-5 pm)   Collins – 1105 Strong Road, South Windsor   Estuary - Old Saybrook Train Station   Greater Bridgeport Transit - GBT Bus Station, 710 Water Street, Bridgeport   Greater New Haven Transit District - 1014 Sherman Avenue, Hamden   Housatonic Area Regional Transit - 3 Kennedy Avenue, Danbury   Middletown Area Transit- Middletown Bus Terminal, 340 Main Street, Middletown   Milford Transit District - Bus hub at the Post Mall, 1202 Boston Post Rd, Milford   Northwestern Connecticut Transit District (Candystriper) – Torrington Municipal Parking Lot, 12 Daycoeton Place, Torrington   Norwalk Transit District – Wheels HUB, 10 Belden Avenue, Norwalk   Southeast Transit District – 7-9 am at the New London Water Street Bus Stop (adjacent to Amtrak/Shore Line East); 3-5 pm Norwich Transportation Center, 10 Falls Avenue, Norwich   Valley Transit District - Derby/Shelton Train Station, 1 Main Street, Derby   Windham Regional Transit District - Nash-Zimmer Transportation Center, 23 Royce Circle, Storrs 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 eAlert: News from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation October is National Pedestrian Safety Month Posted on October 1 , 2020 This October 1 marks the start of National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Connecticut Department of Transportation Office of Highway Safety, along with its partners at Connecticut Children's Medical Center, are reminding all residents about the importance of pedestrian safety. Pedestrian fatalities have been rising nationally – and in particular here in Connecticut as well – over the last several years. In 2018, 6,283 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States. While there are many actions that pedestrians can take to stay safe, there are more actions that only the driver can take — such as obeying the posted speed limit. "Following the speed limit isn't just the law — it is a critical component to keeping pedestrians safe," said Joseph Giulietti, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Transportation. "Driving at the posted speed limit provides the driver time to 'see, identify, and react' in time to brake for pedestrians." Pedestrian safety is crucial to know and understand for pedestrians, motor vehicle operators, and all other road users because pedestrian safety is a two-way street that involves equal respect and equal responsibility. According to The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2018 nearly three quarters (74%) of pedestrian fatalities occurred at non-intersections. "If you are speeding, pedestrians can seem to 'come out of nowhere,'" added Giulietti. "This is especially true in neighborhoods and around schools." Throughout the month the Connecticut Department of Transportation will continue to share pedestrian safety information in an effort to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving pedestrians. Additional information will be available through the Watch for Me CT campaign at www.watchformect.org.   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