Wednesday, April 15, 2026

CTDOT To Host 2026 Transportation Showcase On April 28

Register for this free event before it reaches capacity! ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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Connecticut On the Move: CTDOT To Host 2026 Transportation Showcase On April 28

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) invites the public to join the 2026 Transportation Showcase titled “Connecticut on the Move” on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The free event runs from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Parkville Market, 1390 Park Street in Hartford. Registration is now open at ctrides2026transportationshowcase.eventbrite.com/.

The annual Transportation Showcase highlights how transportation decisions shape daily life across Connecticut and support the state’s economy, workforce, and communities. Through CTrides, the CTDOT program that promotes a wide range of transportation options, works to expand access to transportation, reduce congestion, and support economic growth statewide. Attendees will hear from public and private sector leaders about current initiatives, future investments, and how transportation improvements are strengthening access and opportunity across the state.

“Transportation shapes daily life. It connects people to work, school, health care, and essential community resources,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Jeffrey Gonneville. “The Transportation Showcase brings public and private partners together to share progress, highlight innovation, and ensure our transportation investments deliver real benefits to residents, businesses, and communities across the state.”

The free event includes networking, breakfast, and two moderated panel discussions:

Transportation Is Changing. Here’s What’s Next” will be moderated by NBC Connecticut’s Andrew Rowan and will explore major transportation investments and initiatives underway across Connecticut.

How Transportation Is Powering Connecticut’s Economy” will be moderated by Connecticut Public’s Catherine Shen and will focus on transportation’s role in economic development and regional growth.

Scheduled panelists include:

  • Jill Cahoon, Vice President, Transit & Rail Planning Lead, AECOM
  • Chris DiPentima, CEO, Connecticut Business & Industry Association
  • Garrett Eucalitto, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Transportation
  • Matt Hart, Executive Director, Capitol Region Council of Governments
  • Yvette Highsmith, Regional Vice President, Community Health Center, Inc.
  • Dr. Eric Jackson, Executive Director, Connecticut Transportation Institute
  • Carlos Mouta, Owner and CEO, Parkville Market
  • Jeremy Tillunger, Director of Public Policy, Via

CTDOT encourages attendees to travel by public transportation, with the event venue a short distance from the Parkville CTfastrak Station. A complimentary bus pass will be provided for those requesting one to attend the event.

To learn more or reserve a spot, visit ctrides2026transportationshowcase.eventbrite.com/.


Monday, April 13, 2026

CTDOT Launches Statewide Litter Cleanup Blitz to Address Rising Roadway Trash

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CTDOT Launches Statewide Litter Cleanup Blitz to Address Rising Roadway Trash

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced a statewide litter picking blitz in response to an increase in trash being discarded along state roads and highways. This initiative launched on Monday, April 13, 2026, and will run through Friday, April 17, 2026.

CTDOT maintenance crews are actively removing discarded cups, bottles, fast-food containers, and other debris illegally dumped along the roadside. While the agency is committed to maintaining the state’s roadway system, it’s up to the public to do their part.

“Our team is out there cleaning up day after day, but the reality is simple: the trash we’re picking up is being thrown by the public. Connecticut’s roads don’t become littered on their own,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Time spent picking up litter is time taken away from other critical roadway maintenance. The public can make a difference by properly disposing their trash.”

While litter removal efforts are ongoing year-round, this targeted blitz focuses on high-impact areas where roadside debris has steadily increased in recent weeks.

The campaign is being held one week prior to National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW). NWZAW is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving in and around highway work zones.

Drivers are reminded to slow down and move over when approaching a work zone, remain alert, avoid distractions, and always drive sober. These simple actions save lives.

To learn more about Work Zone Safety, visit ObeyTheOrange.com.

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

CTDOT Announces Distracted Driving Awareness and Enforcement Campaign

Statewide effort urges drivers to stay focused as law enforcement increases patrols during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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CTDOT Announces Distracted Driving Awareness and Enforcement Campaign

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced today a statewide distracted driving enforcement campaign and public awareness initiative in recognition of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. CTDOT kicked off the campaign at the Hartford Police Department.

Law enforcement agencies will ramp up their distracted driving enforcement efforts in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for their "Put the Phone Away or Pay" campaign from April 1 through April 30, 2026. During this period, officers across Connecticut will focus on identifying and citing drivers who engage in unsafe behaviors such as texting, using electronic handheld devices, or otherwise diverting their attention from the road.

Alongside enforcement efforts, CTDOT will continue its public awareness campaign highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and encouraging drivers to remain focused every time they get behind the wheel.

Distracted driving remains a serious safety issue on roads across the country and in Connecticut. In 2023, national data from NHTSA shows 3,275 were killed in distracted driving crashes. In Connecticut in 2023, there were 5,202 crashes involving distracted driving – resulting in 12 fatalities and 78 serious injuries.

"Driving requires your full attention every second you're on the road," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Even a brief distraction, such as checking a notification or sending a quick text, can lead to devastating consequences. This campaign is a reminder that distracted driving is dangerous, illegal, and entirely preventable."

"Connecticut State Troopers see the devastating and tragic effects of distracted driving on our roads and highways every day. Distracted driving crashes are preventable -- I urge all drivers to keep their full attention on the road," said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. "When you, the motoring public, partner with us in safety, travel is safer across all of Connecticut."

"Police departments across Connecticut will be actively enforcing distracted driving laws throughout April," said Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger, Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee. "Reducing distracted driving is a shared responsibility, and we urge drivers to put their phones down and stay focused so everyone can travel safely." 

Six Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving:

CTDOT encourages motorists to make safe driving a habit by eliminating distractions before and during every trip:

  • Pull over safely if you need to text or make a call. Never handle your phone while driving.
  • Ask a passenger to help manage navigation or messages so you can focus on the road.
  • Avoid checking social media while driving. No message or post is worth risking a crash.
  • Limit interaction with in-vehicle technology. Program navigation or music before starting your trip.
  • Use your phone's "Do Not Disturb While Driving" feature or silence notifications to reduce the temptation to check your device.

Remember a text or a call is not worth your life, it can wait.

For more information about distracted driving prevention and safety resources, visit nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving.