Friday, September 13, 2024

Railroad Crossing Safety Improvement Projects in Plainfield

Work to begin later this month ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Web Version    
DOT Seal

Railroad Crossing Safety Improvement Projects in Plainfield to Begin in Late September

A 36-hour detour will be in place during construction

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is alerting the public that the replacement of railroad crossings at Route 14/School Street and Texas Heights Road in Plainfield will take place in late-September and early-October. To ensure the safety of workers and the public, and to facilitate installation of new rail crossing infrastructure, the area near the rail crossings will be closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic for approximately 36 hours. Each crossing will be rehabilitated separately, and only one roadway will be closed at a time.

The existing railroad crossings are being completely replaced with all-new materials to enhance safety, offer smooth crossing for motorists, and ensures freight rail service in the region continues into the future. 

The work will require detours due to full closure of each road directly at the railroad crossing during each crossing's construction. All businesses and/or residences on the affected roads will remain accessible throughout these short-term construction projects.

Detours will be posted to bypass the construction sites. The public is asked to stay clear of each construction site for their own safety. Dates for each crossing are as follows:

  • Texas Heights (Water Street) rail crossing – September 26 and 27
  • Route 14/School Street – October 3 and 4

"It's important that freight lines in Connecticut remain in a state of good repair. We ask motorists for patience and to follow the posted detour routes during construction," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "These are important safety upgrades to the freight line. The strong partnership with Town of Plainfield, Providence and Worcester Railroad, and the local community helps ensure this project will be successful."

The work is being performed in coordination between the CTDOT, Town of Plainfield, first responders, bus and transit providers, and the Providence and Worcester Railroad. Efforts are being taken to minimize the impact on residents and businesses. This construction project is being funded by the Providence and Worcester Railroad (a subsidy of Genesee & Wyoming, Inc.), the owner/operator of the rail line.

Extreme weather may alter the project schedules. Members of the public with questions are encouraged to contact the CTDOT Customer Care Center at (860) 594-2560 or DOT.CustomerCare@ct.gov

Thursday, September 12, 2024

CTDOT to Hold Child Seat Checks During Child Passenger Safety Week

Free events are open to the public ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Web Version    
DOT Seal

CTDOT to Hold Child Seat Checks During Child Passenger Safety Week

In recognition of Child Safety Passenger Week (September 15-21), the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing a series of free child seat safety events for parents, guardians, and caregivers in September. These events will feature certified child passenger safety technicians who will demonstrate how to properly install and use car seats, ensuring that children are secured correctly.

 

Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death among children. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 756 children tragically lost their lives in passenger vehicle crashes in 2022, with over 120,000 more suffering injuries. In Connecticut in 2022, 48 children under 13 years old were injured due to no or improper restraint use in a crash.

 

"Parents, guardians, and caregivers have a responsibility to keep their children safe. That includes ensuring their car seats are installed correctly in the event of a crash," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. "Properly installed car seats save lives, but the alarming truth is that nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly. That is no fault of the adults installing the car seats as the space can be awkward and it can be complicated to get it just right. Our goal during Child Passenger Safety Week is to help parents and caregivers sleep better at night knowing they have the knowledge and resources to keep their children safe on the road."

 

In 2022, more than a third (39%) of children who died while riding in passenger vehicles were unrestrained. A NHTSA study found that while most parents believe they are correctly installing their car seats, about half (48%) are not. Common mistakes include using the wrong type of car seat for the child's age and size and improper installation, both of which can leave children vulnerable in the event of a crash. Properly used car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers in passenger cars.

 

At each free event, parents, guardians, and caregivers will receive hands-on instruction from trained technicians. The technicians will help ensure that car seats are appropriate for the child's age and size and that they are installed correctly. Additionally, attendees will learn about the importance of registering car seats with the manufacturer to receive notifications in case of recalls.

 

Child Seat Check-Up events will be held during Child Passenger Safety Week at the following locations:

 

Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Meriden Fire Department, Engine 2, 168 Chamberlain Hwy., Meriden

To book your free appointment, email Sergeant Adam Kery at akery@meridenct.gov.

 

Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Griffin Hospital, Griffin Health Community Outreach parking lot, 4 Mountain St., Derby

To book your free appointment, email Cathi Kellett at ckellett@griffinhealth.org.

 

Thursday, September 19, 2024, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Fairfield Shopping Center, 889 Post Rd., Fairfield

To book your free appointment, email carseats@ynhh.org by 9/17/24. Appointments are suggested but not required.

 

Thursday, September 19, 2024, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Glastonbury Fire Department, Company 1, 2825 Main St., Glastonbury

To book your free appointment, email Sergey Sharov, at sergey.sharov@glastonbury-ct.gov

 

Friday, September 20, 2024, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Groton Police Department, 295 Meridian St., Groton

To book your free appointment, email Juliette Parker at parkerj@cityofgroton-ct.gov or Stephanie DiBenedetto at dibenedettos@cityofgroton-ct.gov

 

Saturday, September 21, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cromwell Fire Department, Coles Road Firehouse, 105 Coles Rd., Cromwell

To book your free appointment, call Lt. Alan Dominy at 860-385-3880 or email adominy82@gmail.com

 

Saturday, September 21, 2024, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Target Parking Lot, 240 Chase Ave., Waterbury

To book your free appointment, email Pat Zainc at pzainc@wtbypd.org

 

Monday, September 23, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

CT Department of Motor Vehicles, 4 Pearson Way, Enfield

To book your free appointment, please email dmv.childsafety@ct.gov

 

All events are free and open to the public, but appointments must be made in advance where indicated.

 

For more tips on car seat safety, watch how-to videos, and sign up for car seat recall notifications, please visit nhtsa.gov/therightseat.


Tuesday, September 3, 2024

CTDOT Launching Major Travel Survey

Surveys are being mailed this week to randomly selected households ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Web Version    
DOT Seal

CTDOT is Announcing the Start of the 2024 Connecticut Daily Travel Survey This Fall

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is launching a major travel survey to better understand how people travel throughout the state. This travel survey will request information from several thousand households about their daily travel habits, asking people where, how far and how often they travel and what modes they use – whether driving, using public transportation, biking or walking. These trips will include those made for work, school, shopping, errands, and socializing with family and friends.

"The ways people travel and how often they travel have changed dramatically over the last several years. The Daily Travel Survey will help provide the data we need to make future transportation investments at the right time," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "We are improving lives through transportation and the residents of Connecticut are partners with us on this journey. I encourage everyone who receives a survey to take part."

As technologies evolve and travel behaviors have changed over the last few years, transportation planners are collecting current travel data to inform future transportation investments and prioritize improvements. The new survey is a statewide project sponsored by the CTDOT, the Federal Highway Administration, and local planning organizations throughout the state. The last travel survey was completed in 2016. If you would like to see the data from that survey, it can be found at CT Statewide Transportation Study Completed.

Approximately 7,500 households in the state of Connecticut are expected to participate in this travel survey between September and December 2024. Randomly selected households will be invited to participate by a mailed invitation. While this survey is not currently open to volunteers, please respond if you receive an invitation. Invitations will be sent in waves over the next several weeks.

Invited households have the option to complete the survey online, by phone, or through a smartphone app (rMove™) developed by the project consultant, Resource Systems Group (RSG). When complete, this survey will help CTDOT plan for a more efficient, equitable, and accessible transportation system.

The survey results are expected to be released in Spring 2025. For more information, visit portal.ct.gov/travelsurvey.


Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Buses to Replace all Danbury Branch Line Trains August 23 through 25

Normal train service will resume on Monday, August 26 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Web Version    
DOT Seal

Buses to Replace all Danbury Branch Line Trains August 23 through August 25

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is alerting customers of the upcoming Switch Replacement Project that will require all Danbury Branch Line trains to be replaced with accessible bus service between Danbury station and the South Norwalk station from Friday, August 23 to Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Normal train service will resume on Monday, August 26, 2024. The complete schedule can be found on the Metro-North Railroad website Danbury Branch busing, August 23-25

The Danbury Branch Switch Replacement Project will increase reliability and safety of the Danbury Branch Line service. For the safety of workers, trains cannot run while the project is underway.

"Improving reliability and safety on the railroad is a top priority," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "We know this may be an inconvenience for customers and appreciate their understanding while this important project moves forward."

Customers are reminded that buses will depart earlier than normal train times and will make all Danbury Branch Line train station stops. Customers will transfer at South Norwalk station to get to their destination. Please check your destination on the MTA app before boarding.

All rail customers are encouraged to pre-purchase their rail tickets before boarding. Customers may use the MTA TrainTime app or ticket vending machines conveniently located at most New Haven Line stations. For information on how to use the app, visit new.mta.info/traintime.

For real-time service updates and information, customers can use the following options:

MTA app – Customers who use the comprehensive MTA app will see real-time travel information for all MTA services in one place.

new.mta.info – The "Service Status" box at new.mta.info is always the definitive source for the latest status for each line.

For those who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available by dialing 511. Connecticut customers should call (877) 690-5114. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred service provider for the free 711 relay to reach the MTA at 511.


Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Railroad Crossing Safety Improvement Projects in Wethersfield to Begin August 25

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DOT Seal

Railroad Crossing Safety Improvement Projects in Wethersfield to Begin August 25

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is alerting the public that the replacement of railroad crossings at Hartford Avenue, Jordan Lane, and Wells Road in Wethersfield will take place in late-August and early-September. To ensure the safety of workers and the public, and to facilitate installation of new rail crossing infrastructure, the area near the rail crossings will be fully closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic for approximately 48 hours. Each crossing will be rehabilitated separately, and only one roadway will be closed at a time.

Tentative start date for the project is on or about August 25, with each taking approximately two days. Weather or other factors could affect schedule.

This construction project is being partially funded under a CTDOT Rail Freight Improvement Program grant with additional investment by the Providence and Worcester Railroad (unit of Genesee and Wyoming), the operator of the rail line.

The existing railroad crossings are being completely replaced with all-new materials to enhance safety, provide a smooth passage for motorists, as well as ensuring the long-term viability of freight rail service in the region. 

Due to full closure of each road directly in the vicinity of each railroad crossing during reconstruction there will be vehicular detours posted. All businesses and/or residences on the affected roads will remain accessible throughout these short-term construction projects. Residents are asked to stay will clear of each construction site for their own safety.

"These projects ensure the freight line through Wethersfield remains in a state of good repair and addresses roadway surface concerns across the tracks. To ensure the safety of everyone, vehicles and pedestrians cannot travel through the work zone. We ask motorists to follow the posted detour routes during this short-term construction project," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "We appreciate the support and collaboration with the Town of Wethersfield, local businesses, and residents while these important safety upgrades take place."

The work is being performed in coordination between the CTDOT, Town of Wethersfield, first responders, bus and transit providers, and the Providence and Worcester Railroad. Efforts are being taken to minimize the impact on residents and businesses.

Members of the public with questions are encouraged to contact the CTDOT Customer Care Center at (860) 594-2560 or DOT.CustomerCare@ct.gov