CTDOT Highlights Expanded Pollinator Program During National Pollinator Week

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Web Version     CTDOT Highlights Expanded Pollinator Program During National Pollinator Week Posted on June 17 , 2024 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is highlighting ongoing efforts to help pollinators thrive during National Pollinator Week (June 17-23). The CTDOT Pollinator Program was implemented in 2017 at eight sites encompassing roughly 10 acres and today has grown to 139 conservation areas comprised of approximately 240 acres of state property. The goal of the Pollinator Program is to provide critical habitats for pollinating insects, such as bees and monarch butterflies, through strategic seeding operations and vegetation management, such as intentional reduced mowing. The CTDOT pollinator corridors are marked with special conservation area signage and consist of warm season grasses, native wildflowers, and low-growing vegetation. They bloom in late June and continue through the summer months. Some examples of plants found in conservation areas include milkweed, goldenrod, joe pye weed, and aster. Varying species with staggered bloom times promotes biodiversity, healthy habitats, and increases the survival rate of pollinators in the area. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are many benefits to pollinators and pollination. For example, 80% of food and plant-based products require pollination, including almost all fruit and grain. Additionally, flowering plants help produce breathable oxygen, reducing the carbon dioxide in the air. "We are incredibly proud of the ongoing efforts to reclaim state property and turn it back over to nature to provide safe habitats for pollinators. Whether that is creating a new dedicated conservation area or deliberate efforts to cut back on mowing, we continue expanding these areas every year to help create a more sustainable environment," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Just as our roads and highways connect people, we're creating pollinator corridors to ensure these critical species can travel freely throughout Connecticut and the region. Our conservation areas are helping pollinators thrive." Motorists traveling throughout Connecticut can see these corridors near highway ramps, medians, and along roadside shoulders. While these sites are truly picturesque, motorists are reminded to not put themselves in danger, and do not stop on the highway to take photos or videos of the conservation areas. For more information about the CTDOT Pollinator Program, visit the CTDOT Vegetation Management Guidelines. For more information about National Pollinator Week and the importance of pollinators, visit pollinator.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 Announces Results from the 2024 Drive Less Connecticut Climate Challenge

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Web Version     CTDOT Announces Results from the 2024 Drive Less Connecticut Climate Challenge Posted on June 12 , 2024 Over 525,000 miles of travel eliminated during the annual Challenge The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the results of the 2024 Drive Less Connecticut Climate Challenge. During the Challenge, residents across Connecticut united to reduce their carbon footprint by choosing sustainable travel options rather than driving alone. The 2024 event ran from April 22 through May 31, 2024 and surpassed all established goals and metrics. During the Challenge, more than 700 participants logged over 13,000 trips which removed 444,000 pounds of harmful emissions from the air by eliminating almost 525,000 miles of travel. The 2024 Drive Less Connecticut Climate Challenge also introduced an exciting new partnership with One Tree Planted, and due to this year's participation, 1,000 trees will be planted. "This year's Drive Less Connecticut Climate Challenge was very successful because many of our residents wanted to do their part and reduce their carbon footprint," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Thank you to this year's participants for your commitment to environmental stewardship and making a difference. These results show what we can achieve together in the fight against climate change." Here are highlights from the 2024 Drive Less Connecticut Climate Challenge: Participation: 740 residents and employees joined the Challenge by recording at least one green trip. Public Transit Usage: Participants logged over 13,750 trips on the state's trains and buses. Sustainable Travel Choices: More than 2,700 carpool trips and more than 2,500 bike trips were recorded. Employer Support: Numerous employers across Connecticut hosted events encouraging employees to reduce car usage and adopt greener commuting options, including transit, carpools, vanpools, biking, walking, and telecommuting. Tree Planting: 1,000 trees will be planted thanks to participants meeting the goal of eliminating at least 30,000 car trips. The Drive Less Connecticut Climate Challenge was organized by CTrides, the CTDOT's sustainable and active transportation services program. As part of the campaign, the public was encouraged to download the CTrides app or visit CTrides.com to learn more about the DLC and track its progress. To further incentivize participation, CTrides also held prize gift card drawings for those who logged sufficient trips. In addition, participants received weekly updates on their personal progress toward the Drive Less Challenge goals and their eligibility for prize drawings, fostering engagement and motivation throughout the challenge period. # # # About CTrides: CTrides is the Connecticut Department of Transportation's sustainable and active transportation services program, dedicated to promoting environmentally friendly travel options to reduce congestion and improve air quality across the state. For more information about the program, please visit: www.ctrides.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

Drive Safe by Securing Your Load

National Secure Your Load Day is June 6 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Drive Safe by Securing Your Load Posted on June 4 , 2024 To help ensure safety for all, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is reminding drivers to always Secure Your Load. Unsecured loads not only endanger you but also other drivers and pedestrians. According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA), each year, about 730 people are killed and 17,000 more are injured because of objects in the road. Most of these crashes (81%) involve unsecured loads on passenger vehicles. In Connecticut, since 2018, there have been over 900 crashes due to objects in the road. Of these crashes, over 100 people sustained an injury due to the crash. National Secure Your Load Day was first started in 2004 by Robin Abel, a Washington resident, whose daughter was severely injured by an unsecured load on the roadway. In 2010, Arizona resident Paul Reif joined Abel's efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of unsecured loads after Reif's son was killed by an unsecured load. Since then, National Secure Your Load Day has been held annually each year on June 6. "National Secure Your Load Day is an important reminder that the safety of our roads depends on each of us. By taking simple steps to secure our loads, we can prevent crashes and save lives," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. "Even the smallest items falling from a vehicle can be deadly. I encourage all residents to spread the word about the importance of securing your lead and to practice safety measures every day." NHTSA recommends the following tips to ensure you properly secure your cargo: Tie it down with rope, netting, or straps. Tie large objects directly to your vehicle or trailer. Consider covering the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting. Don't overload your vehicle or trailer. Always double-check your load to make sure it's secure. Every U.S. state has a law making it illegal for a driver to operate a non-commercial motor vehicle with an unsecured load. Violating these laws can carry state-specific penalties of up to $5,000. For more information, visit nhtsa.gov/drive-safe-secure-your-load. 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