Slow Down, Save Lives: CTDOT Launches Statewide Enforcement to Combat Speeding

Web Version     Slow Down, Save Lives: CTDOT Launches Statewide Enforcement to Combat Speeding Posted on July 11 , 2024 Speeding was responsible for 115 fatalities in Connecticut in 2022 NEWINGTON, CT – This summer, the Connecticut Department of Transportation, in collaboration with state and local law enforcement and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is launching a high-visibility anti-speeding enforcement campaign. The campaign aims to increase awareness and promote safer driving behaviors with increased speed limit enforcement. The campaign runs from July 1 to September 5, 2024. In 2022, the last year of verifiable data, Connecticut recorded 115 fatalities due to speeding and reckless driving, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. Speeding accounts for roughly one-third of all traffic-related fatalities nationally. It is a form of reckless driving that jeopardizes the safety of all road users and remains a significant threat to public safety. It also just isn't a problem on the highway. According to NHTSA, in 2022, 87% of all speeding-related traffic fatalities on American roads occurred on non-interstate roadways. "The dangerous, selfish, reckless behaviors we're seeing on our roadways are costing people their lives. We need our community to do their part and slow down to help keep everyone safe," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Through this campaign we're sending a very clear message to drivers. Speeding-related deaths in Connecticut are preventable and can be avoided by obeying all posted speed limits." "These fatality numbers – 115 killed in traffic collisions due to speed – tell the story: drivers are still traveling too fast on Connecticut roads," said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. "The State Police works constantly to educate operators on the necessity of following all posted speed limits. Too often, we have seen firsthand the tragic results of speeding on our roadways. Crashes due to speeding are preventable, so we again ask all who get behind the wheel to be our partners in public safety by driving the speed limit." "The simple truth is this: Speed kills. Connecticut's police officers are dedicated to preventing these senseless deaths through vigorous speed enforcement. Please slow down," said Watertown Police Chief and Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee Josh Bernegger. For more information about the dangers of speeding, 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

CTDOT Awards more than $15.8 million in State Local Bridge Funding for 18 Projects in Connecticut

Web Version     CTDOT Awards more than $15.8 million in State Local Bridge Funding for 18 Projects in Connecticut Posted on July 10 , 2024 The CTDOT State Local Bridge Program provides 50% funding to reconstruct locally-owned bridges. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced more than $15.8 million in grants for 18 projects in Connecticut under the state-funded State Local Bridge Program. The State Local Bridge Program is a cost-matching grant program that provides 50% of project costs for locally-owned bridges. Towns and cities administer all design and construction aspects of their projects, while the CTDOT oversees project milestones and provides guidance for the municipalities. "Through the State Local Bridge Program, we are helping ensure locally-owned bridges remain in a state of good repair. Many of the projects are only moving forward as a result of the 50% grant provided by the state," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "This grant program continues to grow in popularity as it has proven to deliver results for communities large and small across the state." The grants approved in this round for current projects include: Berlin: Replace Bridge #007020, Spruce Brook Road over Spruce Brook ($1,569,480) Bridgeport: Replace Bridge #015028, Woodrow Avenue over Island Brook ($1,725,088) Bristol: Replace Bridge #017011, Andrews Street over an unnamed stream ($474,875) Bristol: Replace Bridge #017041, Field Street over an unnamed stream ($686,832) Burlington: Replace Bridge #020002, Alpine Drive over an unnamed stream ($515,850) Columbia: Replace Bridge #030008, Pine Street over Giffords Brook ($814,039.50) Coventry: Replace Bridge #032014, Parker Bridge Road over an unnamed brook ($714,450) Granby: Replace Bridge #055006, Doherty Road over East Branch of Salmon Brook ($1,160,000) Lyme: Replace Bridge #074002, Beaver Brook Road over an unnamed brook ($770,275) Newtown: Replace Bridge #096025, Brushy Hill Road over an unnamed brook ($830,875) Newtown: Replace Bridge #096002, Farrell Road over an unnamed brook ($761,000) Scotland: Replace Bridge #123003, Kemp Road over Kimball Pond Brook ($878,500) Sharon: Replace Bridge #125012, West Cornwall Road over Swamp Brook ($724,500) Southbury: Replace Bridge #130011, Spruce Brook Road over Spruce Brook ($671,000) Stamford: Replace Bridge #135008, Mill Road over an unnamed brook ($978,750) Stamford: Replace Bridge #135007, Old Long Ridge Road over an unnamed brook ($507,500) Thompson: Replace Bridge #03950, Buckley Hill Road over French River Canal ($1,450,000) Washington: Replace Bridge #150012, Walker Brook Road #2 over Walker Brook ($641,000) Since 2016, the State Local Bridge Program has provided more than $129 million in grants to Connecticut's towns and cities. The Connecticut General Assembly created the Local Bridge Program in 1984 as part of the State's Infrastructure Renewal Program. In Connecticut, there are approximately 4,200 local bridges and culverts on locally maintained roads. Construction and maintenance of these structures is the responsibility of the cities and towns who own them. The State Local Bridge Program provides significant financial relief to municipalities. For more information on the State Local Bridge Program, visit https://portal.ct.gov/dot/local-bridge-program/local-bridge-program. 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

Celebrate Freedom Responsibly: CTDOT Urges Sober Driving for a Safe July Fourth Holiday

Web Version     Celebrate Freedom Responsibly: CTDOT Urges Sober Driving for a Safe July Fourth Holiday Posted on July 3 , 2024 CTDOT and State and Local police issue a reminder: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is partnering with state and local law enforcement agencies this July Fourth weekend in an effort to combat impaired driving. Increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints will be in place throughout the holiday weekend. These efforts are part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, aimed at reducing impaired driving and saving lives. The Fourth of July holiday is one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to impaired driving crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, 487 people died in traffic crashes during the Fourth of July holiday period. Forty percent of those fatalities involved a drunk driver. Of those who died in drunk driving crashes, 27% were in a crash involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration at or above .15 g/dL — almost twice the legal limit in almost every state. In Connecticut in 2022, the last year of verifiable data, 127 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes, which accounted for nearly 35% of all fatalities in the state. "The Fourth of July is a time for celebration and safety should always come first," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Impaired driving puts everyone at risk. We urge all Connecticut residents to make responsible choices this holiday. If you plan to drink, please plan for a safe ride home. By making safety a priority, we can ensure this holiday is memorable for all the right reasons." "State Troopers urge all motor vehicle operators to practice lawful driving skills when traveling on Connecticut roads and highways. We know that this will be a very busy long holiday weekend for many people, so we ask residents to be prepared for traffic delays," said Connecticut State Police Commanding Officer Colonel Daniel Loughman. "In particular, we remind all drivers that the Move Over law requires motorists approaching stationary vehicles to slow to a speed below the posted speed limit immediately and, if traveling in the lane adjacent to a stopped vehicle, to move over one lane if possible. To ensure safety for all, please be aware of first responders and others who may be pulled over to the side of the road." "July 4th is a uniquely American pastime where we come together with family and friends to celebrate the anniversary of our nation's independence. Connecticut's police officers remind you to designate a sober driver during celebration activities," said Watertown Police Chief and Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee Josh Bernegger. "Extra police patrols will be deployed across the State to seek out and arrest impaired drivers to keep our roadways safe." The Connecticut Department of Transportation recommends safe alternatives to drinking and driving: Never drink and drive. Even a single alcoholic beverage can impair your ability to drive. Designate a sober driver to get home safely. Utilize rideshare programs or public transit. Plan ahead and have the apps on your phone and transit schedules readily available. Report drunk drivers to local law enforcement by calling 911. Prevent friends from driving drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive after drinking, take their keys and arrange a safe way for them to get home. For more information, 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