Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Hartford Line Schedule Adjustments Begin Monday, March 18, 2024

Temporary weekday train service adjustments in place to accommodate Amtrak's continuous welded rail project ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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Connecticut
Department of Transportation

Hartford Line Schedule Adjustments to Accommodate Amtrak's Continuous Welded Rail Project

Temporary weekday train service adjustments are effective Monday, March 18, 2024.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is alerting customers of the upcoming temporary weekday train service adjustment effective Monday, March 18, 2024, through late-August 2024, on the Hartford Line (HL). This service adjustment is to accommodate Amtrak's Continuous Welded Rail project which will keep the railroad in a state of good repair. Trackwork will take place between North Haven and Windsor Locks and is anticipated to be completed by the end of the summer.

Please note that these adjustments may alter train schedules by as much as 12 minutes, connection trains may differ, and may impact boarding assignments at station platforms.

 

Trains with significant schedule adjustments include:

 

Weekday Northbound

 
  • CTrail 4452 departing New Haven Union Station at 6:30 a.m., 5 minutes earlier.

  • CTrail 4404 departing New Haven Union Station at 8:32 a.m., 12 minutes later.

  • CTrail 4406 departing New Haven Union Station at 11:45 a.m., 10 minutes later.

 

Weekday Southbound

 
  • CTrail 4453 arriving at New Haven Union Station at 7:57 a.m., 5 minutes earlier.

  • Amtrak 471 arriving at New Haven Union Station at 10:28 a.m., 10 minutes later.

  • CTrail 4403 arriving at New Haven Union Station at 12:10 p.m., 7 minutes earlier.

  • CTrail 4415 arriving at New Haven Union Station at 10:52 p.m., 5 minutes earlier.

 

Passengers can find the latest Hartford Line schedule here and are encouraged to visit HartfordLine.com or Amtrak.com for the latest service information and scheduled departure times.

 

Riders can also sign up for alerts sent directly to their phone or email at HartfordLine.com/service-alerts.


CTDOT Receives $2 Million Federal Grant

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Connecticut
Department of Transportation

Connecticut Department of Transportation Receives $2 Million Federal Grant

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today highlighted a $2 million federal grant it received from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). The grant funding enables the preliminary engineering, environmental documentation, and public outreach for the River Gateway component of the Greater Hartford Mobility Study.

The Greater Hartford Mobility Study outlines transportation projects and improvements in Hartford, East Hartford, and surrounding communities. The River Gateway component improves safety, supports multimodal transportation opportunities throughout the region, and expands cross-river connections.

The creation of the region's highway system, including Interstate 91, disconnected neighborhoods from each other and resources in Hartford and East Hartford, impacting health and economic potential. The River Gateway Project will strengthen the City of Hartford's connections to the Connecticut River, East Hartford, and reconnect the Downtown to the surrounding neighborhoods, which have had limited access due to the barrier created by I-91 in the mid-20th century. To remove the existing barrier, the proposed River Gateway Project involves four distinct components:

  • Lowering and capping I-91 from the Founders Bridge to Dillon Stadium.
  • Creating a surface boulevard between the Founders Bridge and Whitehead Highway to address traffic congestion on I-91.
  • Redesigning the Whitehead Highway as an urban boulevard with a connection to Pulaski Circle to the west and the riverfront to the east.
  • Designing a new local bridge over the Connecticut River with bicycle and pedestrian amenities between the Whitehead Highway area and Riverfront Boulevard/East River Drive in East Hartford.

"These federal funds are going to increase safety and mobility throughout the Greater Hartford region. Much of our state's infrastructure was designed and built for cars and cut off communities from one another," said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. "By refocusing on pedestrians and bicyclists, the state can have roadways that work for everyone. Thank you to President Biden, Secretary Buttigieg, and our entire federal delegation for supporting these funds that improve safety and reconnect our communities."

"The Greater Hartford Mobility Study is a generational investment that will improve safety, reduce congestion, reconnect the city, and provide greater access to the riverfront and open space," said Connecticut Department of Transportation of Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "From redesigned highways to improved local roads and new public transportation services and additional bicyclist and pedestrian amenities, the Greater Hartford Mobility Study is a transformational project that benefits all roadway users. Thank you to Governor Lamont and Connecticut's federal delegation for the continuous support as the Greater Hartford Mobility Study continues moving forward."

Lowering I-91 and then covering the highway – a process referred to as capping – will create a local boulevard that provides additional recreational and development opportunities for the residents of South Hartford and better connects the waterfront trail networks of East Hartford and Hartford via a new, multimodal river crossing that prioritizes safety,  enhancing the quality of life for residents of both communities.

This $2 million grant is part of a larger $21.8 million grant package award by USDOT for the state of Connecticut through the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program and Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) Program. The RCP grant program was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the NAE grant program was established by the Inflation Reduction Act.

The Greater Hartford Mobility Study, launched in 2020, is organized into four major program components, in an expansive effort aimed at redefining the entire landscape of Greater Hartford's transportation infrastructure. The study is a concerted, long-term effort to elevate mobility, stimulate economic growth, and fortify environmental sustainability across the Greater Hartford Region.

For more information about the Greater Hartford Mobility Study, included details on the four program components, visit hartfordmobility.com.


Thursday, March 7, 2024

CTDOT Publishes Draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan

The draft STIP compiles all highway and public transit projects that CTDOT intends to pursue over the next four years. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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Connecticut
Department of Transportation

CTDOT's Draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan to Open for Public Comment

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has released the draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for public comment.

The draft STIP compiles all highway and public transit projects that CTDOT intends to pursue over the next four years, utilizing Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding. STIP documents can be found on the CTDOT website, at CTDOT Headquarters, and at all Councils of Government offices. It is suggested to schedule an appointment at these locations. To make an appointment at CTDOT, please call (860) 594-2040.

"Transportation supports our communities, quality of life, and the economy vitality of the state," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Virtually all aspects of day-to-day activity and necessities are supported or impacted by Connecticut's transportation infrastructure systems. Everyone uses transportation–roads, bridges, buses, trains, sidewalks, multi-use paths and ferries. It is critical that we receive feedback from the public so we can tailor our projects, services and policies to best fit the needs of all stakeholders. Please, be part of the process. This is your opportunity to be heard."

The draft STIP for fiscal year 2025-2028 contains:

  • Over 180 projects statewide, programming $3.3 billion in federal funds matched by approximately $724 million in state funds and approximately $23 million in local funds, for a total program cost of approximately $4 billion
  • $14.6 million for public transportation operating assistance
  • $2.2 billion will be used for highway and bridge capital programs
  • $1.1 billion will be used for transit (rail, bus, and rideshare) capital and operating costs

Some projects that will be funded through the STIP include:

  • I-95 Interchange 74 reconstruction in East Lyme
  • I-91 SB Bridge 01469B rehabilitation in Hartford
  • I-91/I-691/CT 15 Interchange improvements in Meriden/Middletown
  • CT 2A Bridge 03426 rehabilitation in Montville/Preston
  • CT 9 Removal of traffic signals in Middletown
  • I-95 NB Bridge 03819 rehabilitation in New London (Gold Star)
  • US 7/CT 15 Interchange in Norwalk
  • CT 82 Safety Improvements in Norwich
  • CT 136 Bridge 01349 rehabilitation (Saugatuck River) in Westport
  • Railroad Track Improvements & Mobility Enhancements (TIME) Program
  • Rehabilitation of WALK, Devon, and SAGA Railroad Bridges
  • Transit vehicle fleet and transit facility upgrades
  • New Haven Line Power Program

CTDOT is conducting two hybrid public informational meetings regarding the draft STIP on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at CTDOT Headquarters, 2800 Berlin Turnpike in Newington. Both meetings will also be held on Zoom; registration is required. To register, please visit portal.ct.gov/DOT/STIP/.

CTDOT staff will be available 30 minutes prior to each meeting to informally discuss the draft STIP with members of the public.

Language assistance and/or ADA accommodations are provided at no cost to the public, and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance. Persons needing language assistance or ADA accommodations may request assistance by contacting CTDOT's Language Assistance Line at (860) 594-2109, at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting. Persons with a hearing and/or speech disability may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) and instruct the operator to contact (860) 594-2243.

Parking is available in the rear of the building. The meeting facility is ADA accessible, and persons with disabilities can access the building from the main entrance of the building.

The draft STIP will be available for review for a 30-day public comment period from May 1-31, 2024. Comments from the public must be received on or before May 31, 2024. Comments should be emailed to DOT.STIPComments@ct.gov, or mailed to Maribeth Wojenski, Bureau of Policy and Planning, Connecticut Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 317546, Newington, CT 06131-7546.


Friday, March 1, 2024

CTDOT Launches New Active Transportation Microgrant Program

Grants up to $5,000 are available ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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DOT Seal
Connecticut
Department of Transportation

CTDOT Launches New Active Transportation Microgrant Program

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the creation of a new state-funded Active Transportation Microgrant Program. CTDOT has allocated $500,000 in microgrants to be distributed across Connecticut through this new program.

The Active Transportation Microgrant Program is a non-infrastructure initiative to provide eligible organizations with up to $5,000 in funding for resources that advance safe, accessible, sustainable, and equitable walking, biking and rolling in Connecticut, including to and from schools. This program works in conjunction with the CTDOT's Safe Routes to School Program and will be administered by regional Councils of Governments (COGs).

Schools, school districts, municipalities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. Eligible items include:

  • Bicycle helmets
  • Bicycle locks
  • Bicycle fleets, including adaptive bikes
  • Safety vests
  • Bicycle maintenance training and materials
  • League Cycling Instructors training
  • Programs, events, and materials for bicycle and pedestrian safety education

"This new grant program provides funding that will improve safety and mobility for some of our most vulnerable roadway users. Whether someone is walking, riding, or rolling, having additional materials, equipment, and training will help them stay safe," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Thank you to the CTDOT team for putting this program together, and to the Councils of Governments who have partnered with us to administer this new program."

Organizations are limited to receiving two grants in a 12-month period. Applications will be accepted, and funding distributed by the COGs, on a quarterly basis until all funds in the program are utilized. The first grants are expected to be awarded this spring.

Organizations that receive grants must utilize the funds for eligible items within one calendar year. The funding limits for this solicitation are up to $5,000 for each grant awarded. Organizations must apply through their COG representative.

For more information on the Active Transportation Microgrant Program, including application guidelines and materials, visit ct.gov/SafeRoutes.