Friday, February 28, 2025

CTDOT Announces Public Comment Period for Proposed CTtransit Service Changes

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CTDOT Announces Public Comment Period for Proposed CTtransit Service Changes

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the public comment period is open for proposed bus service changes in the CTtransit New Haven and Hartford divisions, Hartford Express services, and CTfastrak services.

Proposed bus service changes include the expansion of service hours and service frequency, route modifications, one new route, and discontinuations of some routes and services to create a more streamlined and customer-focused system.

Full details on the proposed service changes, including ways to provide comment, are available at ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges.

CTDOT and CTtransit staff will be available to provide information and accept comments on the proposed service changes and the service equity analysis at open houses in New Haven and Hartford on the following dates and times:

  • Tuesday, March 18, 2025: Kennedy Mitchell Hall of Records, 200 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06510, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 19, 2025: Park Street Library at the Lyric, 2nd Floor Room, 603 Park Street, Hartford, CT 06106, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

In the event of cancellation due to inclement weather, public meetings will be rescheduled exactly one week later at the same time and location.

"Public input is critically important to helping us ensure our transit system remains customer-focused and serves the people of Connecticut," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "These open houses are an opportunity for customers to learn more about and comment on near-term and longer-term proposed bus service changes. We look forward to hearing from the public in the weeks ahead."

CTDOT will consider all comments received during the public comment period when approving the final service changes. CTDOT encourages all members of the public to participate in one or more of the open houses and submit comments. Members of the public may also submit comments by emailing dot.proposedtransitchanges@ct.gov or calling (860) 597-8226. Written comments may also be submitted to:

Comment on Proposed Service Changes
Connecticut Department of Transportation
Bureau of Public Transportation
P.O. Box 317546
Newington, CT 06131-7546

Language assistance may be requested by contacting the CTDOT Language Assistance Call Line at (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least five business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public, and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.

For more information on the proposed changes and how to attend the open houses, provide comments, and access the service equity analysis documents, please visit ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges.

The public comment period closes on Thursday, April 3, 2025.


Wednesday, February 26, 2025

CTDOT, Law Enforcement Agencies Launch High-Risk Rural Roads Enforcement Campaign

Increased rural road traffic enforcement runs from March 1 to May 30, 2025 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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CTDOT, Law Enforcement Agencies Launch High-Risk Rural Roads Enforcement Campaign

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), in partnership with state and local law enforcement agencies, today announced the launch of a High-Risk Rural Roads Enforcement Campaign to improve roadway safety and reduce speed-related crashes on rural roads.

Running from March 1 to May 30, 2025, the enforcement campaign will focus on increasing police patrols on rural roadways, deploying advanced speed-detection technology, and boosting public awareness through a statewide media campaign.

The $2 million initiative is funded by the Federal Highway Administration.

The CTDOT announced the 91-day enforcement campaign on Wednesday at the Montville Police Department along with Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and various law enforcement officials.

"Most of my days are spent on Connecticut's roads, and as I travel throughout our beautiful state taking in our scenic routes, I am also shocked to see dangerous driving habits – especially along our rural roads," said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. "CTDOT and our local law enforcement agencies have been invaluable partners in our efforts to keep the state's roadways safer, and this campaign shows their continued commitment. I hope the Connecticut motorists will take steps to drive safer – not just during this campaign, but throughout the year. Let's work together so that we all get home safe!"

"Rural roads are not just scenic—they can be deadly when drivers speed or drive recklessly," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. "The success of our first campaign demonstrated that targeted enforcement and public awareness can make a real impact in reducing crashes and saving lives. This renewed effort sends a clear message: slow down, pay attention, and drive responsibly."

"As law enforcement officers, one of our primary goals is to ensure the safety of all road users," said Chief Marc Balestracci, Waterford Police Department, member of Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee. "Speeding on rural roads not only endangers the driver but also pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. We are committed to enforcing speed limits and promoting safe driving behaviors to reduce preventable tragedies in our communities."

"In Montville, we've seen firsthand how targeted enforcement on high-risk rural roads makes a real difference in preventing crashes and saving lives," said Montville Police Chief Wilfred Blanchette III. "Thanks to the 2024 initiative, our officers made 887 traffic stops and issued over 110 citations for speeding, reckless, and impaired driving. These roads are crucial to our community, connecting residents, businesses, and schools, but they can quickly become dangerous when drivers exceed the speed limit. We urge everyone to slow down, stay alert, and follow the rules of the road."

"Troopers patrol not just highways in Connecticut, but also rural roads in the dozens of towns that we cover. They have witnessed reckless driving habits such as speeding and operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs – illegal behaviors which lead to crashes, injuries, or death," said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. "We count on the public to be our partners in safety by following the rules of the road and calling 911 when they witness reckless driving, as this is a true emergency."

The CTDOT launched its first High-Risk Rural Roads Enforcement Campaign in 2024, which led to over 7,600 traffic stops and 4,300 speeding citations, demonstrating measurable success in curbing dangerous driving behaviors on rural roads. Through this initiative, CTDOT also provided funds for local and state police departments to purchase speed-detection technology, such as radar, lidar, and speed indicator signs.

From 2019 to 2023, Connecticut averaged 44 rural road fatalities annually, accounting for 14 percent of all roadway deaths statewide. Of those rural road fatalities, 25 percent were speed related. Preliminary data for 2024 indicate there were 94,766 crashes and 328 fatalities in the state.

Penalties for speeding vary by location and documented speed. But fines can range from $200 to $500 and might include a mandatory court date. For more information, visit portal.ct.gov/highwaysafetyoffice/traffic-safety-programs/speeding.

 


Thursday, February 20, 2025

CTDOT Awarding More Than $56 Million in Federal Funding to 14 Connecticut Municipalities

Projects will improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vulnerable road users. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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CTDOT Announces New Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Projects through the Federal Transportation Alternatives Program

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced that it will be awarding more than $56 million in federal funding to 14 Connecticut municipalities for projects that improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vulnerable road users.

The project awards are part of the most recent solicitation of the federal Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program, which is overseen by CTDOT in partnership with the state's nine Councils of Governments (COGs). The TA Program offers a source of funds for addressing the needs of non-motorized transportation users, with a focus on safety, accessibility and connectivity. The TA Program allows municipalities to work with their COG to apply for funding a variety of transportation projects, such as pedestrian and bicycle initiatives, construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas, recreational trails, and vulnerable road user safety assessments.

"These investments provide pedestrians and cyclists safe access to Connecticut's vibrant urban areas and scenic rural landscapes," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Through close collaboration with our Councils of Governments, we're ensuring these projects meet each community's needs and help build safer, more connected neighborhoods."

The projects and federal share of funds approved under this current solicitation of the Transportation Alternatives Program include:

  • Ansonia: Naugatuck River Greenway: Pershing Drive to Wakelee Avenue/Nolan Field ($3,840,000)
  • Bloomfield: Bloomfield Greenway ($5,320,000)
  • Bridgeport: Park Avenue South Streetscape Improvements Phase II ($3,120,000)
  • Danbury: Citywide Mid-Block Crosswalk Safety Improvements ($2,160,000)
  • Glastonbury: Hebron Avenue Sidewalk Installation and Multi-Use Path Rehabilitation ($2,360,000)
  • Hartford: Hampton Street Slow Street and Bicycle Boulevard ($1,120,000)
  • New Haven: Mill River Trail ($3,600,000)
  • New Haven: Church Street Promenade Phase I ($2,920,000)
  • Plainfield: Moosup Valley Trail Extension ($5,840,000)
  • Preston: Poquetanuck Village Heritage Walk Phase II ($4,320,000)
  • Prospect: New Haven Road (State Route 69) Pedestrian Connectivity ($2,720,000)
  • Putnam: Putnam River Trail Extension- East Coast Greenway ($8,960,000)
  • Stamford: East Main Street (Route 1) Pedestrian Safety Improvements ($4,800,000)
  • Wethersfield: Sidewalk Gap Closure ($1,080,000)
  • Windham: Air Line Trail Bridge and Resurfacing ($3,840,000)

The funding awarded in this solicitation can be used for design, right-of-way, and construction activities and funding for projects range from approximately $1,000,000 to $9,000,000. Federal funding is contingent on a 20% non-federal match.


Friday, February 14, 2025

CTDOT Renews Free Access to Premium Transit App for Riders

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CTDOT Renews Free Access to Premium Transit App for Riders

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is renewing its sponsorship of the Transit Royale app for Connecticut riders, offering free access to the premium version of the app starting February 14, 2025.

Transit Royale helps riders plan bus and train trips, track real-time locations, and use mobile ticketing in select areas. CTDOT first offered the premium version in February 2023, making Connecticut one of only two states to provide this service statewide.

Available for free on iOS and Android, the app provides access to routes beyond a user's immediate area without a paywall, customizable themes and icons for favorite locations, and a leaderboard where users earn points by sharing real-time trip information with others.

"We're proud to have been providing Connecticut public transportation customers with the premium version of Transit app for three years," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "The Transit Royale app provides a valuable resource for trip planning, real-time information, mobile ticketing, and customer-agency communication that we strive to improve upon each year."

In 2024, the app saw approximately 90,000 unique users each month in Connecticut, with people opening the app over 38 million times, and 5 million trips planned. The app's impact was further highlighted by quarterly Ridership Happiness Benchmark surveys, consistently placing Connecticut's transit services among the top 10 in North America.

Looking ahead to 2025, CTtransit customers will be able to view planned detours and temporary route changes directly in the app.

For more information about the app or to download and install the Transit app on your mobile device, visit transitapp.com.


Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Community Connectivity Grant Funding Open for CT Municipalities to Improve Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety, Boost Access to Downtown Areas

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Community Connectivity Grant Funding Open for CT Municipalities to Improve Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety, Boost Access to Downtown Areas

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the opening of the seventh solicitation for the Community Connectivity Grant Program (CCGP).

The CCGP provides state funding for municipal construction projects aimed at improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

"By investing in municipal infrastructure projects, we are empowering towns and cities to take charge of their development, creating pedestrian-friendly spaces through collaboration with residents, advocates, and local officials," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "These projects revitalize our downtown areas, increase foot traffic, support local businesses, and elevate the overall quality of life for both residents and visitors."

In October, the State Bond Commission approved $12 million for 2025 Community Connectivity projects. The funding will cover construction activities ranging from $100,000 to $800,000.

Municipalities that previously received funding under this program must have submitted and received approval for their final project design by the application deadline in order to be considered for funding. Municipalities selected to receive grants will be expected to complete their projects within three years.

Grant applications are available on the program's webpage and will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

In 2024, CTDOT awarded more than $12 million in grants to 17 municipalities for projects improving transportation safety and accessibility. Since its inception in 2019, the program has awarded over $62 million in grants for 138 projects across Connecticut.

For more information on the Community Connectivity Grant Program, please visit portal.ct.gov/dot/programs/ccgp.