Wednesday, April 30, 2025

CTDOT Awarded Grant for Advanced Roadway Safety Data Analysis

Connecticut receives $100,000 in data services to address traffic safety, analyze efficacy of speed cameras in work zones. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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CTDOT Awarded Grant for Advanced Roadway Safety Data Analysis

Expanding on a successful effort seen across the country to use advanced data analysis to improve roadway safety, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) received a $100,000 grant to harness cutting-edge data and gain broader insight into the effectiveness of automated enforcement technology in work zones.

This grant comes from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and Michelin Mobility Intelligence (MMI). CTDOT is among three State Highway Safety Offices (SHSOs) to receive Michelin data services, building upon the success of the agency's Work Zone Speed Safety Camera Pilot Program.

Using Michelin telematics data, CTDOT's Highway Safety Office (HSO) will conduct a comparative data analysis between four work zones with speed cameras and five zones where cameras were not active. This will enable CTDOT to greater explore the role and impact of speed cameras, identify risks due to non-compliant drivers, and further understand driver behavior in work zones.

During the pilot program in 2023, more than 20,000 drivers were issued warnings for exceeding speed limits by 15 miles per hour or more in work zones. All five locations analyzed also showed a reduction in driver speeds. The Michelin telematics data will expand upon those findings.

"Behind the cones, barriers, vests, and hard hats stand human lives, underscoring the critical role we all play in work zone safety," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Highway workers deserve to feel safe, which is why we're continuing to act and utilize resources available to us. But we can't do this alone. We need the public to do their part, as well, so everyone makes it home safely."

"New and innovative data analysis has led to advancements in so many other fields – like public health, finance, and marketing – but roadway safety has been slow to modernize and adapt to the data revolution," said GHSA Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Adkins. "Unlocking new safety data and insights will help communities across the country improve safety for everyone on the road."

This investment in safety data insights, based on a competitive application process, follows another $300,000 that GHSA and MMI awarded to three states in 2024. To learn more about this program, you can view the full announcement online.

For up-to-date information, safety tips, and news regarding work zone safety, visit ObeyTheOrange.com.


Tuesday, April 22, 2025

CTDOT Asks Public to Drive Less

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CTDOT Asks Public to Drive Less

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the start of the 2025 Drive Less Connecticut Challenge. The campaign begins today, on Earth Day, and runs through May 31, 2025.

The campaign challenges everyone in Connecticut to drive less and explore more affordable, accessible, and environmentally-friendly transportation options. By reducing car use, individuals and families can reduce the overall costs associated with owning and operating a vehicle while easing traffic congestion and giving people more choices in how they get around. This six-week challenge offers participants who record their eligible trips on the CTrides app chances to win prizes.

The campaign's goals this year are to eliminate 35,000 car trips, save $375,000 on gas and car maintenance, and reduce the travel by single-occupant vehicles by 550,000 miles. In addition, for every 17 car trips eliminated, one tree will be planted through a partnership with One Tree Planted, up to a maximum of 2,000 trees.

"This Earth Day, it is important to all of us to recognize and address the harmful impact of greenhouse gases on our air quality and climate. This campaign asks all Connecticut's residents to do whatever they can to drive less and use greener alternatives wherever they need to go," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Single-occupant vehicles are one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. With continued investments to our infrastructure, expanded bus services, and new pilot programs, we are making public transportation easier and more convenient to use. The Drive Less Challenge is the perfect time for residents to explore these greener transportation options."

"We are excited to support the Drive Less Connecticut Challenge again this year," said Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes. "The transportation sector continues to be the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions and asthma-causing air pollution in our state. This challenge is a great opportunity for residents to consider their transportation habits and the impact they can make by taking actions to reduce emissions such as biking, walking, utilizing public transportation, and carpooling and vanpooling. I encourage everyone to celebrate Earth Day by joining the Drive Less Challenge to deliver cleaner air for residents and fight the climate crisis."

The Drive Less Connecticut Challenge is free and easy to join. Download the CTrides app or go to CTrides.com/DLC to set up a free account and start recording any eligible trips to win a valuable prize. The CTrides app also offers a trip planner that gives residents travel options to destinations throughout Connecticut.

The CTrides app and the Challenge website features a dashboard that tracks the positive impacts and goals of all Drive Less Connecticut Challenge participants. Participants will also receive weekly email updates on their individual contributions to the goals, the number of trips they recorded, and their eligibility for prize drawings. Prize drawings will be held following the campaign's end.

For more information and to sign up and start tracking, visit CTrides.com/DLC.

 

About CTrides
CTrides is the Connecticut Department of Transportation commuter services program designed to provide information on alternate commuting and travel options and services to Connecticut residents, employees, and students, resulting in reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality. Travel options in lieu of driving alone include the train, bus, carpooling, vanpooling, teleworking, and walking or biking. The service is free, and everyone is encouraged to visit CTrides.com or call 877-287-4337


Thursday, April 17, 2025

Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry Set to Open for 2025 Season

The oldest continuously operated ferry in America slated to launch Saturday, April 19, 2025. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry Set to Open for 2025 Season

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is excited to announce the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is set to begin its 2025 season on Saturday, April 19. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry launched for the season on Tuesday, April 1.

While high water levels on the Connecticut River delayed its opening, the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is now ready to serve thousands of passengers through November. Last season, both ferries carried a combined total of more than 100,000 passengers and 45,000 vehicles across the river.

"We're thrilled both ferries will soon be open for the season. Whether you're riding a bike, going for a walk, or traveling by car, the ferry is an enjoyable way to travel," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "Just in the first few weeks, we've welcomed approximately 1,000 passengers on board the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry. We hope many will come out, take a trip, and see firsthand what makes this a memorable experience for all."

The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is the oldest, continuously operating ferry in America, starting service in 1655. At one time, two horses on treadmills supplied the power to propel the vessel across the river. In 1876, the ferry was modernized to steam-driven crafts. Today's craft is a three-car barge named the Hollister III, which is towed back and forth by the Cumberland, a diesel-powered tugboat.

The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry launched in 1769, and CTDOT began operating the service in 1917. It can carry eight or nine cars, along with 49 passengers. Thanks to having a propeller and rudder on both ends of the boat, the ferry can travel back and forth without needing to turn around.

When the ferries are in service, they operate on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Paying a fare is easy using the Token Transit app or by scanning the QR code at the ferry landings.

Weather conditions, water levels, or mechanical issues may impact ferry operations, with any closures and delays shared online. Members of the public are encouraged to sign up for alerts on the real-time travel and traffic information website CTroads.com.

For additional information on the ferries, including fares, schedules, and complete history, please visit CT.gov/DOT/CTferries

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Temporary Hartford Liner Service Adjustments

Train service adjustments effective Tuesday, April 22, 2025 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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Temporary Train Service Adjustments on the Hartford Line

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is alerting customers of the upcoming train service adjustments effective Tuesday, April 22, 2025 through Friday, October 31, 2025, on the Hartford Line (HL).

Several weekday CTrail and Amtrak trains will be replaced by bus service between Hartford and Springfield, MA. Weekend train service will not be affected. View the schedule at HartfordLine.com.

Temporary busing is necessary to support the Windsor Locks Station and Track Improvement projects, as the work cannot be performed with active train service. The projects consist of replacing the existing Windsor Locks Station with a new station featuring high-level platforms, new lighting fixtures, and ADA accessible features, making it easier and more inviting for passengers. Also taking place will be Amtrak's installation of new interlockings and maintenance of existing rail grade crossings to ensure a safe and reliable journey for all passengers.

"These temporary service changes are being implemented to allow these projects to be completed as quickly and safely as possible," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "We appreciate the patience of Hartford Line customers as we move forward with these important projects."

Train fares will be effective on the substitute buses. Passengers are required to purchase a CTrail or Amtrak ticket to board the substitute buses. Bus departure times may be earlier than regular train departure times at stations. Buses will stop at all stations listed below and passengers will be directed to the bus pick up and drop off location by signage on the platform:

  • Hartford
  • Windsor
  • Windsor Locks
  • Springfield, MA

Passengers are encouraged to visit HartfordLine.com or Amtrak.com for the latest service information

Riders can also sign up to have alerts sent directly to their mobile phone or email accounts by signing up at HartfordLine.com/service-alerts. Don't forget to review your preferences to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information for your travels. Preferences may need updating after each schedule change.