Thursday, April 17, 2025

Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry Set to Open for 2025 Season

The oldest continuously operated ferry in America slated to launch Saturday, April 19, 2025. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry Set to Open for 2025 Season

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is excited to announce the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is set to begin its 2025 season on Saturday, April 19. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry launched for the season on Tuesday, April 1.

While high water levels on the Connecticut River delayed its opening, the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is now ready to serve thousands of passengers through November. Last season, both ferries carried a combined total of more than 100,000 passengers and 45,000 vehicles across the river.

"We're thrilled both ferries will soon be open for the season. Whether you're riding a bike, going for a walk, or traveling by car, the ferry is an enjoyable way to travel," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "Just in the first few weeks, we've welcomed approximately 1,000 passengers on board the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry. We hope many will come out, take a trip, and see firsthand what makes this a memorable experience for all."

The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is the oldest, continuously operating ferry in America, starting service in 1655. At one time, two horses on treadmills supplied the power to propel the vessel across the river. In 1876, the ferry was modernized to steam-driven crafts. Today's craft is a three-car barge named the Hollister III, which is towed back and forth by the Cumberland, a diesel-powered tugboat.

The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry launched in 1769, and CTDOT began operating the service in 1917. It can carry eight or nine cars, along with 49 passengers. Thanks to having a propeller and rudder on both ends of the boat, the ferry can travel back and forth without needing to turn around.

When the ferries are in service, they operate on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Paying a fare is easy using the Token Transit app or by scanning the QR code at the ferry landings.

Weather conditions, water levels, or mechanical issues may impact ferry operations, with any closures and delays shared online. Members of the public are encouraged to sign up for alerts on the real-time travel and traffic information website CTroads.com.

For additional information on the ferries, including fares, schedules, and complete history, please visit CT.gov/DOT/CTferries

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Temporary Hartford Liner Service Adjustments

Train service adjustments effective Tuesday, April 22, 2025 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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DOT Seal

Temporary Train Service Adjustments on the Hartford Line

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is alerting customers of the upcoming train service adjustments effective Tuesday, April 22, 2025 through Friday, October 31, 2025, on the Hartford Line (HL).

Several weekday CTrail and Amtrak trains will be replaced by bus service between Hartford and Springfield, MA. Weekend train service will not be affected. View the schedule at HartfordLine.com.

Temporary busing is necessary to support the Windsor Locks Station and Track Improvement projects, as the work cannot be performed with active train service. The projects consist of replacing the existing Windsor Locks Station with a new station featuring high-level platforms, new lighting fixtures, and ADA accessible features, making it easier and more inviting for passengers. Also taking place will be Amtrak's installation of new interlockings and maintenance of existing rail grade crossings to ensure a safe and reliable journey for all passengers.

"These temporary service changes are being implemented to allow these projects to be completed as quickly and safely as possible," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "We appreciate the patience of Hartford Line customers as we move forward with these important projects."

Train fares will be effective on the substitute buses. Passengers are required to purchase a CTrail or Amtrak ticket to board the substitute buses. Bus departure times may be earlier than regular train departure times at stations. Buses will stop at all stations listed below and passengers will be directed to the bus pick up and drop off location by signage on the platform:

  • Hartford
  • Windsor
  • Windsor Locks
  • Springfield, MA

Passengers are encouraged to visit HartfordLine.com or Amtrak.com for the latest service information

Riders can also sign up to have alerts sent directly to their mobile phone or email accounts by signing up at HartfordLine.com/service-alerts. Don't forget to review your preferences to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information for your travels. Preferences may need updating after each schedule change.


Monday, March 31, 2025

CTDOT Launches Distracted Driving Awareness and Enforcement Campaign to Keep Connecticut Roads Safe

Every distraction is a beast. Don't be the prey. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Web Version    
DOT Seal

CTDOT Launches Distracted Driving Awareness and Enforcement Campaign to Keep Connecticut Roads Safe

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the launch of a statewide distracted driving enforcement and new public awareness campaign during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April.

In partnership with State and local law enforcement and the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the campaign will step up efforts to enforce distracted-driving laws from April 1 to April 30, 2025. Additionally, CTDOT is launching a new public awareness campaign to show how distractions are causing crashes, injuries, and fatalities on Connecticut roads.

WATCH: Distracted Driving is a Beast

Nationally in 2022, 3,308 people were killed, and nearly 290,000 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. In Connecticut in 2022, the last year of verifiable data, there were 5,318 crashes attributed to distracted driving that resulted in eight fatalities and more than 787 injuries.

"Safety should always be the top priority for drivers, and that means focusing on the road, not on a screen," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Every moment you spend behind the wheel requires your full attention. This enforcement and awareness campaign is a clear reminder that distracted driving is both illegal and deadly. Let's all do our part and commit to making Connecticut's roads safer for everyone."

"One moment of distraction can change everything," said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. "Stay focused, stay responsible, and help keep our roads safe for everyone."

"Every year, hundreds of crashes occur on our roadways due to drivers being distracted by their devices," said Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger, Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee. "Connecticut's police officers are committed to keeping our roads and highways safe for all and will be actively enforcing the state's distracted driving laws."

The CTDOT urges drivers to prioritize safety by eliminating distractions while driving. Follow these simple tips to stay safe on the road:

  • If you need to send or receive a text, pull over and park in a safe location before using your phone.
  • Designate a passenger to manage calls and messages while you drive.
  • Avoid social media use while driving—no post is worth risking your life.
  • Do not use a vehicle's "infotainment" screen or other portable video players while operating a motor vehicle.
  • If you struggle to resist checking your device, enable the "Do Not Disturb" feature, silence notifications, or place your phone out of reach in the glove box or back seat until you arrive.

For more information on distracted driving prevention, visit nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving.


Saturday, March 29, 2025

CTDOT Announces Start of 2025 Ferry Season

Season starts Tuesday, April 1 at 7 a.m. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Web Version    
DOT Seal

CTDOT Announces Start of 2025 Ferry Season

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the start of the 2025 Ferry Season. The historical Chester-Hadlyme Ferry will begin its 2025 season at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1. However, due to sustained high water levels on the Connecticut River, the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry will open at a later date.

The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry and the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry are some of the most unique modes of transportation in the country, where pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles are all welcome. Last season, the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry and the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry combined to carry more than 100,000 passengers and 45,000 vehicles across the river.

"Spring is here and that means another ferry season on the Connecticut River. No matter if someone is driving, walking, or biking, the ferries are an enjoyable way to travel," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "It's going to be another great season on the Connecticut River. We're looking forward to welcoming back crews and passengers, and we invite first time riders to come and enjoy these wonderful services."

The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is the oldest continuously operating ferry in America, which began service in 1655. At one time, two horses on treadmills supplied the power to propel the vessel across the river. In 1876, the ferry was modernized to steam driven crafts. Today's craft is a three-car barge named the Hollister III that is towed back and forth by the Cumberland, a diesel-powered tugboat.

The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry launched in 1769, and CTDOT began operating the service in 1917. It can carry eight or nine cars and 49 passengers, and thanks to having a propeller and rudder on both ends of the boat, and travels back and forth without needing to turn around.

When the ferries are in service, they operate on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Whether walking, biking, or taking a car, paying a fare is easy using the Token Transit app or by scanning the QR code at the ferry landings.

Weather conditions, water levels, or mechanical issues may impact ferry operations, with any closures and delays shared online. Members of the public are encouraged to sign up for alerts on the real-time travel and traffic information website CTroads.com.

For additional information on the ferries, including fares, schedules, and complete history, please visit CT.gov/DOT/CTferries.


Monday, March 3, 2025

CTDOT Urges Drivers to Check for Open Vehicle Recalls

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DOT Seal

CTDOT Urges Drivers to Check for Open Vehicle Recalls

Vehicle Safety Recalls Week is March 3-9, 2025

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to raise awareness during Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, observed from March 3-9, 2025. With over 58 million vehicles on U.S. roadways carrying open safety recalls, CTDOT urges all vehicle owners to check their vehicles and address any outstanding recalls.

In Connecticut alone, an estimated 550,000 vehicles have open recalls, including more than 48,000 with unrepaired Takata airbags. NHTSA recalled approximately 67 million Takata airbags between 2014 and 2016 due to a defect that can cause them to explode during deployment, potentially causing serious injury or death.

"Unrepaired recalls pose serious risks to drivers, passengers, and others on the road," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "We encourage all Connecticut drivers to take a few minutes to check their vehicle for open recalls. It's fast, free, and could save lives."

"It's important for all motorists to stay informed about recalls that may affect their vehicles," said Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Tony Guerrera. "To help with this, we instructed emissions testing stations to provide notifications of any outstanding recalls during routine emissions tests. It's important for motorists to take recalls seriously and to act promptly." 

Checking for open recalls is simple. Vehicle owners can visit CheckToProtect.org and enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if their vehicle has an open recall. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorized dealerships. Employers and fleet managers are also encouraged to regularly review their vehicle inventory for recalls to ensure the safety of their drivers and the communities they serve.

Check To Protect is a national campaign led by the National Safety Council (NSC) to encourage drivers to check for and repair open vehicle recalls. The NSC is a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating preventable deaths and injuries through research, education, and advocacy. The campaign partners with automakers, safety organizations, and government agencies to promote safer roads.

To learn more, please visit nhtsa.gov/recalls