CTDOT Reminds the Public to Stay Alert as Daylight Hours Decrease and Halloween Nears

Web Version     CTDOT Reminds the Public to Stay Alert as Daylight Hours Decrease and Halloween Nears Posted on October 30 , 2025 As part of National Pedestrian Safety Month, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is urging motorists and pedestrians to exercise extra caution this Halloween weekend. With shorter daylight hours and the end of Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, November 2, it's especially important to stay alert to changing road conditions and reduced visibility. In Connecticut in 2024, there were 1,429 crashes involving pedestrians on Connecticut roads, with 62 pedestrian fatalities. As of October 30, 2025, preliminary data for 2025 shows that there have been 866 crashes involving pedestrians, and 45 pedestrians have been killed in Connecticut. "This time of year brings darker evenings, busier roads, and we need drivers to do everything they can to keep themselves and those around them safe," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "We're asking all Connecticut residents to look out for one another. A few simple actions, putting the phone away, slowing down, and watching for pedestrians, can save lives and make our communities safer for everyone." "Pedestrian safety should be a priority for all drivers as they navigate local and state roads," said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. "With darkness arriving earlier this weekend, we caution motor vehicle operators to ditch the distractions, reduce speeds, and focus solely on driving when behind the wheel." "As daylight hours shorten, it becomes more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially during dawn and dusk," said Watertown Police Chief Joshua Bernegger, chair of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association's Traffic Safety Committee. "We urge everyone walking to stay alert and make themselves visible. Drivers should slow down, stay attentive, and be prepared for reduced visibility. Together, we can help ensure everyone gets home safely this season." CTDOT offers several tips for drivers to help keep pedestrians safe: Shared responsibility: Be aware of pedestrians at all times and in all locations. Drive cautiously in low-visibility conditions: Be extra careful at night or during bad weather. Slow down near crosswalks: Be ready to stop when approaching or turning into crosswalks. Yield to pedestrians: Stop at crosswalks and maintain a safe distance, allowing other drivers to see and stop for pedestrians as well. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk: There may be pedestrians crossing that you cannot see. Never drive under the influence: Always ensure you are sober when driving. Obey speed limits: Especially in school zones and residential areas where children are present. Be careful when reversing: Check for pedestrians behind your vehicle before backing up. For more safety information and tips for parents, caregivers, and children, 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 Announces Innovative Solutions for I-84 and Route 7 Congestion and Mobility in Danbury

Plan includes a Flex Lane to reduce peak-hour congestion and improve safety. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Announces Innovative Solutions for I-84 and Route 7 Congestion and Mobility in Danbury Posted on October 2 , 2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced its proposal for addressing congestion and mobility along the Interstate 84 (I-84) and US Route 7 corridor in Danbury. After reviewing and analyzing potential options and breakout projects, the CTDOT has determined that a Flex Lane concept, which uses the median shoulder as a temporary travel lane, will be the first project advancing to alleviate traffic and improve safety during peak travel times. Design is underway, with construction anticipated to start in 2028. WATCH: I-84 Flex Lane Explained "We are excited to address mobility and safety in this busy corridor through a new innovative solution for Connecticut. By constructing the Flex Lane within the highway's existing footprint, we'll be able to quickly make a positive change to people's commutes without years of construction," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "The community has been loud and clear about the need for us to address these bottlenecks, and we have a proven solution that's going to make a significant improvement within the next five years to help all travelers." The Flex Lane initiative originated through the I-84 Danbury Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) Study. Over the last several years, strategies for improving transportation for all users have been identified in alignment with regional and local needs and community goals. These strategies were developed into project concepts with extensive public outreach and input. The evaluation of these concepts identified alternatives for the I-84 corridor to advance for further study or implementation. Additionally, a supporting intersection project at Main Street and Downs Street/North Street is proposed, which would address operational and safety improvements at this very busy intersection in the city. Other future alternatives involve reconfiguring the highway and interchange ramps to reduce weaving, as well as enhancing multimodal connections within the surrounding roadway network. The public can learn more about these alternatives by visiting the Project Alternatives page on the study website.  Stay tuned for additional public outreach events on the Flex Lane in the coming months and as other projects move forward from planning into design, community involvement will continue. For more information, to sign up for project updates, and newsletters, visit i84Danbury.com. 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