CTDOT Announces Temporary Shuttle for the Gold Star Memorial Bridge Begins May 15

Shuttle to connect Groton and New London for pedestrians and bicyclists ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation

 

05/12/2023

CTDOT Announces Temporary Shuttle for the Gold Star Memorial Bridge Begins May 15

Shuttle to connect Groton and New London for pedestrians and bicyclists

(Newington, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has announced a temporary no-cost shuttle will provide transportation services crossing the Southbound span of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge. This service will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the Bridge while the sidewalk is closed for evaluation, testing and repair.

The shuttle will begin Monday, May 15, 2023, and run seven days per week, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. The pedestrian walkway has been closed to pedestrians since it was damaged due to the fatal vehicle crash in April.

The Gold Star Bridge Shuttle will run on continuous 30-minute loops with stops at Williams Street & Bailey Circle (Southbound), Bridge Street in Groton, 121 Riverview Avenue, and 1 Bailey Circle. The 20-passenger shuttle bus will display "Gold Star Bridge Shuttle" and can carry two bicycles.

"One of our guiding principles at CTDOT is ensuring that our transportation system is accessible to everyone, including pedestrians and bicyclists. The need for pedestrian and bicyclist crossing access to be restored quickly has been a priority for our team following April's tragic crash," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "I want to thank my entire team who has supported this effort including those worked hard to get this service in place, the response team who was immediately on site in April, and the team working to evaluate and repair the damage."

The temporary Gold Star Bridge Shuttle will be provided at no cost to users; however, no transfers will be issued. The shuttle service is ADA-accessible.

The complete Gold Star Bridge Shuttle schedule is below.

For additional transportation options and help planning a commute, visit CTrides.com.  

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For Immediate Release: May 12, 2023
Contact: Josh Morgan

Connecticut Department of Transportation

Josh.Morgan@ct.gov

860-597-7821 (cell)

 

ct.gov/dot

      

 

 

Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry Opens Saturday!

The oldest continuously operated ferry in America launches Saturday, May 13 at 10:30 a.m. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry Set to Open for the 2023 Season Posted on May 10 , 2023 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is informing the public the historic Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry will open for the 2023 season this Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Ferry season in Connecticut runs April 1 through November 30, but due to sustained high water levels, the launch of the Rocky Hill Ferry was delayed several weeks. Both ferries across the Connecticut River will now be in service, as the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry has been running daily since April 1. Both ferries will operate until November 30, 2023. Pedestrians, cyclists, and automobiles are always welcome on both ferries. Motorists who use the ferry can cut 16 round-trip miles from their commute using the ferry, reducing their carbon footprint.  Last year, the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry carried more than 14,000 vehicles and nearly 34,000 passengers. Combined last season, the ferries carried more than 43,000 vehicles and nearly 102,000 passengers. "Traveling by ferry is a unique mode of transportation, not only here in Connecticut, but across the entire country. Whether riding a bike, going for a long walk, or commuting by car, the ferry is a special way to cross the river," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Public Transportation Bureau Chief Ben Limmer. "I am excited for another great season on the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry. Our crews are ready to go. I hope the public makes a point to come out and take a trip. It's a memorable experience."  The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is the oldest continuously operating ferry in America, having started service in 1655. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry launched in 1769. Both ferries operate weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weather conditions, water levels, or mechanical issues may impact ferry operations. Information regarding closures or delays is posted online. Additionally, residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts at CTroads.org – where messages can be sent via email or text.  For additional information on the ferries, including fares, schedules, and detailed history, visit CT.gov/DOT/CTferries. 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 Commissioner Eucalitto Announces Deputy Commissioner Appointments

New Agency Leadership to Join State Service in June ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONER EUCALITTO ANNOUNCES DEPUTY COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENTS Posted on May 9 , 2023 Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner Eucalitto is announcing the appointment of two Deputy Commissioners that will complete the agency's senior leadership team, many of whom have started recently. Karen Kitsis and Laoise King will join the agency beginning in June. Karen Kitsis currently serves as the Deputy Executive Director for the Office of Capital Project Development at Sound Transit in Seattle, Washington. She has held many leadership positions and worked on several significant projects, including a system-wide planning process resulting in a successful $54 billion ballot measure. Kitsis brings her experience working in several states managing large-scale projects to the CTDOT. Laoise (lee-sha) King is currently serving as the Chief of Staff for Mayor Harry Rilling in the City of Norwalk. She oversees day-to-day city management, is responsible for city administrative functions, and has been instrumental in securing funding for local projects. King has also held various roles in John DeStefano's administration in the City of New Haven, bringing decades of legal, legislative, and advocacy experience to the organization. More detailed biographies and headshots are included below. "Karen and Laoise bring significant experience to our team and will complement our already incredible leadership team well," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "I am proud of the team of Bureau Chiefs we have assembled in the agency, many of whom were promoted during the height of the pandemic at a time when we were trying to accomplish a mammoth amount of work with little certainty about what may come next. Every single person on this team has stepped up in ways that have helped ensure the public can travel safely, and that the future of transportation is bright. Our new Deputy Commissioners will be a much-needed support to our team, and help ensure we can complete more work, and best serve our residents." The CTDOT has five bureaus, each overseen by a Bureau Chief, as well as leadership in the Commissioner's Office that joined the team in January: Chief Engineer and Bureau Chief of Engineering and Construction: Scott Hill, P.E. Bureau Chief of Finance and Administration: Gary Pescosolido Bureau Chief of Highway Operations and Maintenance: Paul T. Rizzo Bureau Chief of Policy and Planning: Kimberly Lesay Bureau Chief of Public Transportation: Benjamin T. Limmer, AICP Elizabeth Keyes, Chief of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, and Lora Rae Anderson, Chief of Staff, joined the Commissioner's Office in January. Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto was nominated by Governor Lamont and confirmed by the legislature also in January 2023. Karen Kitsis Karen Kitsis is currently the Deputy Executive Director for the Office of Capital Project Development at Sound Transit in Seattle, Washington. Prior to taking on this role, her previous positions at Sound Transit included serving as South Corridor Development Director, and she started at the agency as Senior Planning and Project Development Manager. While at Sound Transit, she was responsible for overseeing the preliminary engineering and project development of commuter rail, light rail, bus, and bus rapid transit projects totaling over $10 billion across four of Sound Transit's subareas.  Kitsis managed the system-wide planning process known as ST3, which resulted in a successful $54 billion ballot measure. She also led the long-range planning division with staff conducting alternatives development, multi-modal corridor-level planning studies, environmental analysis, capital project development, and ridership forecasting. Prior to moving to Washington to work at Sound Transit, Kitsis worked as Transit Development Officer at Hampton Roads Transit and was a planner at Kimley-Horn in Tallahassee, FL. Before that, she started her career as a Project Manager at Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission in Woodbridge, Virginia. Karen has a BA from Grove City College and a MA in Urban Planning from UCLA. Laoise King Laoise King has served as Chief of Staff for Mayor Harry W. Rilling since 2016. King brings over 24 years of experience in the practice of law, municipal government, and legislative advocacy to the position. King oversees all administrative functions of the City at the direction of the Mayor. In addition to day-to-day city management, she provides guidance to elected officials on policy and planning and works closely with the City's State and Federal delegations to achieve the City's legislative agendas and secure funding for municipal projects. Prior to coming to the City of Norwalk, King served in various capacities in local government and non-profit sectors. Most recently, King worked as Vice President of Education Initiatives at United Way of Greater New Haven, where she was a senior management team member and was responsible for designing, overseeing, and managing community investments, partnerships, and programs related to education. Before joining United Way, King served the City of New Haven as Assistant Corporation Counsel, Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor John DeStefano, and finally as Chief of External Affairs for the New Haven Public Schools.  In those roles, she managed relationships between the City/school system and the broader community, including state and federal policymakers, stakeholders, funders, and the public. King also advised Mayor DeStefano on public policy matters, implemented Mayor's Office initiatives, and assisted the Chief of Staff in the City's day-to-day operations. King returned to Connecticut in 2005 after living in Colorado for ten years. Before returning to Connecticut, King worked as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Denver. King received her Juris Doctor from the University of Denver College of Law (1999) and her BA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (1995). She is admitted to the Connecticut, New York, and Colorado State bars. 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 Celebrates National Bike Month this May

Safe Routes to School Program plans Bike, Walk, and Roll to School Day on May 3, 2023. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Celebrates National Bike Month this May Posted on May 2 , 2023 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is celebrating National Bike Month this May by encouraging the public to get outside and go for a ride. CTDOT is planning Bike, Walk, and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, with nearly 20 schools across Connecticut. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) established a Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS) in 2005. Since then, many communities participating in the Safe Routes to School Program have shown improved safety and accessibility for students with and without disabilities. "Bike, Walk, and Roll to School Day is a great way to kick off Bike Month here in Connecticut. Active transportation allows us to get some exercise and fresh air while being a more sustainable mode of transportation," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "I encourage schools to use this month as an opportunity to sign up and reach out for assistance in planning Safe Routes to Schools activities. We're here to help ensure those biking, walking, or rolling to school can do so safely in their communities." "National Bike Month and Bike, Walk and Roll to School Day promotes physical activity, and healthy habits, while also reducing traffic congestion around our schools. It is important that we all work together to create safer and more accessible routes for transportation and inspire our students and communities to lead healthy and active lifestyles," said Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker. "I encourage all school districts and community members to participate in Bike, Walk, and Roll to School Day during National Bike Month." The new Federal infrastructure law allowed for an expansion of this SRTS Program to include high schools (grades 9-12) and tribal agencies to encourage ALL students in grades K-12 to safely participate in active transportation to get to and from school. CTDOT is pleased to share the following updates from the SRTS Team: New Safe Routes to School Program coordinator onboard – If you have questions or want to schedule a meeting, email Kristen Levesque at Kristen.Levesque@ct.gov. New and updated 6 "E"'s framework that includes equity  Updated communication and outreach  Refreshed website and new online registration opportunities for school districts and town officials The CTDOT Safe Routes to School Team offers free program assistance to school districts that are interested in developing a Safe Routes to School Program in their community. Some examples of assistance from the program include: Education – Pedestrian and bicycle safety training, including curriculum resources Outreach – Collaboration in planning events (such as National Bike and Roll to School Day) Training –Completion of Champion toolkit and walkability and bike-ability checklists Technical Assistance – Pedestrian Safety Assessments (Walk Audits) and data collection The first scheduled event for schools to participate in this year is Bike, Walk and Roll to school day on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Register your school today and plan to participate in this event! For more information on the Safe Routes to School Program, please visit ct.gov/dot. 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