CTDOT Joins National Call to Action to Reduce Roadway Fatalities

CTDOT is one of 80 groups that are committed to taking action to reduce serious injuries and deaths on roadways. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Joins National Call to Action to Reduce Roadway Fatalities Posted on April 24 , 2023 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has joined dozens of organizations and businesses around the country as an "Ally in Action" with a public commitment to reverse the roadway crisis facing the state. Last year, more than 380 people were killed on Connecticut roads—the highest number in three decades. So far in 2023, more than 80 people have been killed. As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) National Roadway Safety Strategy, CTDOT is one of 80 groups that are committed to taking action to reduce serious injuries and deaths on roadways. Joining CTDOT in this commitment are health and safety advocates, private sector businesses, municipal and law enforcement organizations, and more. "CTDOT is and will always be committed to making our roadways and transportation systems safer for drivers, passengers, workers, pedestrians, and bicyclists," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "After recording one of the deadliest years on our roadways in decades, Connecticut is heeding the USDOT's call to action. Through education, enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and policy changes, we will utilize every available resource to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on our roads." With this commitment, CTDOT will lead behavioral change on Connecticut roadways through safety pilot programs, grant funding, enhanced education campaigns, and policy proposals. Much of this work has already begun and will continue throughout the year, including: CTDOT launched a one-year automated work zone speed enforcement project to protect highway workers. CTDOT opened a third solicitation for the state-funded Community Connectivity Grant Program, open to towns and cities across Connecticut. Since 2018, more than 100 grants totaling $38 million have been awarded to help communities build bike lanes, connect sidewalks, and make infrastructure improvements. In 2023, $12 million is available for municipalities to apply for before July 21. CTDOT partnered with three Connecticut municipalities as part of the Complete Streets Academy sponsored by Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition to learn about Complete Street best practices, improve cross-jurisdictional coordination, and plan and implement quick-build, temporary demonstration projects on state-owned roads. CTDOT proposed several legislative proposals under consideration in the Connecticut General Assembly, including to authorize the use of automated traffic enforcement devices in Connecticut, to lower the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) to 0.05%, and to require motorcycle helmets for all riders. The USDOT Call to Action comes a year after it released the National Roadway Safety Strategy outlining a concrete set of actions USDOT has committed to and adopted the five-pronged Safe System Approach to help reduce roadway fatalities, which includes safer people, safer vehicles, safer speeds, safer roads, and post-crash care, to work towards a goal of zero fatalities. To learn more about the National Roadway Safety Strategy and view organizations that have also volunteered to commit to action, visit Transportation.gov/NRSS. 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 Celebrates Earth Day 2023

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Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Celebrates Earth Day 2023 Posted on April 21 , 2023 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is joining other state DOTs, transit agencies, advocates, and groups nationwide to celebrate Earth Day 2023. This year marks the 53rd anniversary of Earth Day, and the theme, Invest in Our Planet, is deeply connected to the work of CTDOT. "We are doing everything we can at CTDOT to reduce transportation emissions through smart  infrastructure and service investments. We know the transportation sector is the single largest source of carbon emissions in Connecticut, and we have a responsibility to be part of the team making strides to protect our environment and natural resources for future generations," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Everything we do at CTDOT is rooted in advancing three principles: safety, accessibility, and sustainability. With these priorities guiding us, we are improving safety for all users of our systems, removing barriers to public transportation, and making smart, cost-effective investments to reduce carbon emissions." On Earth Day 2023, CTDOT is providing an update on its continued investments, programs, and policies to create a cleaner and healthier environment. These include: EV Charging Infrastructure CTDOT has installed more than 20 Level 2 electric vehicle charging ports at its headquarters to be used for light-duty fleet vehicles. There are additional 30 Level 2 chargers available for guests and employees. CTDOT will be electrifying its entire fleet of light-duty vehicles and building infrastructure across its facilities. The NEVI Plan As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, $5 billion will be dedicated to the new National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program to deploy electric vehicle chargers throughout the state strategically. Pollinator Program CTDOT has 116 conservation areas comprised of approximately 200 acres of state property. These areas provide critical habitats for pollinating insects, such as bees and monarch butterflies, with more sites being added annually. These special pollinator corridors are created through reduced mowing and wildflower plantings. For more information on the Pollinator Program, visit Section 7 of the CTDOT Vegetation Management Guidelines. Cleaning Up Roadways CTDOT crews spend countless hours cleaning up litter, debris, and trash from Connecticut roadways every year. The work is ongoing to protect the environment and keep motorists safe. CTDOT reminds the public the highway is not a trash can and to dispose of materials properly.  Reduction to Vehicle Miles Traveled Under Executive Order 21-3, CTDOT was directed to set a reduction target for vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and develop a plan of investments to influence the reductions. CTDOT has proposed a target VMT per person reduction of 5% by 2030, which is equivalent to 1.21 miles less per person each day and 433.17 miles fewer per person each year. Drive Less Challenge The Drive Less Connecticut Challenge is an annual event that runs from Earth Day through the end of May to encourage residents to drive less and instead use the state's bus and rail systems or carpool, vanpool, bike, or walk. The campaign's goals this year are to eliminate 275,000 pounds of emissions, eliminate 20,000 car trips, and reduce the miles driven by single-occupant vehicles by 300,000 miles. For more information, visit CTrides.com/DLC.  Renewable Energy Under Executive Order 21-3, CTDOT identifies opportunities to deploy solar on its properties and in state Right of Way. Through the CT Green Bank, CTDOT executed multiple power purchase agreements, including adding a 2.2-megawatt solar canopy at the CTDOT headquarters in Newington, and a 1-megawatt solar installation at the CTtransit facility in Hamden. Studies are underway looking at various installations along Right of Way areas and at hundreds of additional CTDOT facilities.  Community Connectivity Grant Program The Community Connectivity Grant Program provides construction funding for local initiatives to improve safety and accessibility for bicyclists and pedestrians in and around community centers. More than 100 grants totaling $38 million have been awarded across the state. An additional $12 million is available in grants this year. The deadline to apply is July 21. Through operational changes, service improvements, grant programs, and infrastructure investments, CTDOT works daily to create a cleaner, safer transportation network.  To find out how you can get involved and make a difference in your community on Earth Day, visit EarthDay.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

CTDOT Reminds Drivers to Play a Role in Work Zone Safety

National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 17-21, 2023. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Reminds Drivers to Play a Role in Work Zone Safety Posted on April 17 , 2023 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is promoting National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) from April 17-21, 2023, highlighting this year's theme of "You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us." NWZAW has been observed for more than 20 years and was launched as a public awareness campaign to help everyone understand how they play a role in keeping workers, motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists safe on the roads.  "Every day, thousands of people drive through work zones across our state," said Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "We encourage drivers to work with us in allowing CTDOT crews, construction workers, and emergency responders to make it home safe to their families. Playing a role means slowing down your speed, putting down the distractions while driving, staying alert no matter the conditions, and only getting behind the wheel when you're sober." Over the last four years in Connecticut, there have been over 3,600 crashes in work zones, resulting in 13 fatalities and 37 serious injuries. Statistics from the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse show there were 774 fatal crashes in work zones resulting in 857 deaths in 2020. In addition, 117 roadway workers were killed in work zones.  On Monday, April 17, CTDOT livestreamed a special Connecticut Work Zone Awareness Week event on its Facebook page to raise awareness about increasing the safety of workers, motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists in work zones. Special guest speakers included CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, FHWA's Andrea Merejo, and additional local and state partners.  On Wednesday, April 19, CTDOT and organizations around the country will participate in Go Orange Day. Members of the public are invited to join CTDOT in spreading the message of work zone safety by wearing orange and sharing photos on social media using the hashtags #NWZAW #ObeyTheOrange and #Orange4Safety. On Thursday, April 20 at noon, CTDOT encourages the public to join the nation for a special moment of silence wherever you are to honor and remember the people killed in work zone crashes. CTDOT recognizes and appreciates all highway construction and maintenance workers, town and city public works departments across the state, public utility companies, private contractors, construction industry associations, and state and local police departments who are all affected by safe traveling through work zones. To learn more about NWZAW, visit NWZAW.org and visit CTDOT's Work Zone Safety Awareness page.  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