CTDOT eAlert: News from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Community Connectivity Project is Regional Winner and National Finalist Posted on August 18 , 2020 The Connecticut Department of Transportation's Community Connectivity Program – designed to look for opportunities to improve connections for biking, walking, and public transit in community centers – has won the top regional prize for "Quality of Life/Community Development" in a competition sponsored by the Northeast Association of State Transportation Officials (NASTO). "This is great news for Connecticut and for the team of dedicated CTDOT professionals who have spent several years developing the Community Connectivity program and making it the success for which it is being recognized today," said CTDOT Commissioner Joseph J. Giulietti. "I am extremely proud of this effort, because it shows our level of commitment to the 169 cities and towns we partner with every day of the year." The NASTO award specifically recognizes the connectivity program for downtown Stamford's Boxer Square Revitalization project. As a regional winner, the Stamford project will be among 12 projects entered in a second competition for two top prizes—the Grand Prize, chosen by an independent panel of judges, and the People's Choice Award, which is determined by the public through online voting. Both carry a $10,000 cash prize to support a transportation-related scholarship or charitable cause and will be announced at this fall's annual meeting of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Under the Community Connectivity Grant program, the city of Stamford was awarded $400,000 to improve transportation options and create a community space in Boxer Square. Completed in 2019, the revitalized square improves traffic operations, provides safer connections to alternative transportation options (biking, walking, and public transit), and incorporates the square's namesake boxer statue. The project has brought new economic opportunities and enhanced the quality of life for everyone who lives in or visits the community. Since the Grant program began in 2018, CTDOT has awarded 80 grants totaling $25.8 million to 80 cities and towns in the first two rounds of funding. A third round will go out for solicitation in late August. Towns must first submit an application for funding to CTDOT, with detailed plans for local projects to improve the safety and accessibility for bicyclists and pedestrians in urban, suburban and rural community centers. "The people who planned, engineered and built these projects deserve recognition for the positive impacts they have provided through these investments in local communities," said Patrick McKenna, director of the Missouri Department of Transportation and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 2019-2020 president. "Their work represents a dedication to connecting people and improving local economies while implementing creative solutions." Sponsored by AASHTO, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the America's Transportation Awards competition was created to showcase the tremendous projects delivered by state departments of transportation every year in order to tell the broader story on the importance of transportation. Now in its 13th year, the projects nominated in this competition are making communities stronger, our economy more efficient, and our quality of life better, all while utilizing the most innovative technology to get these projects done better and faster. This year, 36 state transportation departments are participating in the competition, nominating 79 projects in one of three categories: "Quality of Life/Community Development," "Best Use of Technology & Innovation," and "Operations Excellence." 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 eAlert: News from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT INTRODUCES PODCAST ABOUT THE CT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM Posted on August 18 , 2020 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has launched its first episode of "Along the Lines", a new podcast about public transportation in Connecticut. The podcast series will explore a wide range of topics from the role transit plays in our communities to the past, present and future of Connecticut's public transportation system. Rich Andreski, CTDOT's Bureau Chief of the Bureau of Public Transportation, will host the podcasts. Guests will include transportation advocates, local policymakers, members of the community and customers of public transportation. The inaugural podcast discusses the impact of COVID-19 on Connecticut's public transportation system and the steps taken to ensure the health and well-being of frontline employees and customers alike during the pandemic. Garrett Eucalitto, Deputy Commissioner of CTDOT and Melissa Kaplan-Macey, Vice President, State Programs and Connecticut Director for Regional Plan Association (RPA) joined the conversation. "We're excited to launch the podcasts as it allows us to reach our customers in an engaging format," stated Rich Andreski. "The podcast allows us to take a deeper dive on trends and issues and gives our valued customers insight into the decisions that impact their commute. But this isn't just a podcast for transit riders, we hope anyone with an interest in public transportation will listen in and engage with us going forward." The "Along the Lines" podcast is now available on Apple, Google, Soundcloud, Libsyn and Spotify. The podcasts will also be available on additional channels as more are produced. 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 eAlert: News from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JOINS WITH LT. GOVERNOR SUSAN BYSIEWICZ, OTHER STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS TO DISTRIBUTE MASKS TO RAIL PASSENGERS Posted on August 12 , 2020 In the ongoing effort to promote and reinforce the importance of wearing masks on Connecticut's rail system to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), joined also by Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, other state and local elected officials, and Metro-North's safety superhero "Metro-Man,"  today distributed masks to rail passengers at train stations across the state. CTDOT staff were stationed near rail platforms and waiting areas at eight different rail stations throughout the day to pass out masks. Metro-Man raced to the scene at New Haven's Union Station where he teamed up with CTDOT Commissioner Joe Giulietti, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, where they talked with customers and handed out masks.  Masks were also distributed today at the Bridgeport, Fairfield, Hartford, Old Saybrook, Stamford, Waterbury and West Haven stations.   Over the course of the day it is anticipated that some 2000 masks will have been distributed.   The use of face coverings on public transportation was ordered by Governor Lamont in Executive Order No. 7BB, effective April 20, 2020. Since that time, compliance with the order on trains has been exceptional.    "I have been extraordinarily pleased with the voluntary compliance we have seen on our bus and rail systems, and I think that speaks volumes of the shared concern our customers show for their fellow riders and for the crews that operate our trains and buses," said DOT Commissioner Giulietti.  "Today's distribution event was meant to build on that momentum and to reinforce the positive direction Connecticut has been moving in as we take on COVID-19. We really need our customers to remain vigilant, and to wear those masks, and I personally appreciate and applaud their continued compliance."     "Connecticut went from a state with one of the highest infection rates to the lowest. This was accomplished by implementing policy that was based on science, data and facts. But we are not out of this yet. It's important that we continue to practice the 'Three W's: Wear a mask; wash your hands; and watch your distance. By providing our riders with face masks, we can continue to stop the spread of the virus," said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz.   In addition to distributing masks to rail passengers, over 125,000 masks were supplied to CTtransit and the other bus transit operators throughout the state to be distributed beginning on July 28, 2020. 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 aAlert: Construction News from CTDOT

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation Nighttime resurfacing along Route 106 and Route 124 in New Canaan Posted on August 6 , 2020 The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that nighttime milling & resurfacing will be performed on Route 106 & Route 124 in New Canaan beginning Sunday night, August 9, 2020. The project consists of milling and resurfacing of 1.35 miles of Route 106 and Route 124 in New Canaan. This project is scheduled to occur on Sunday night August 9, 2020 through Friday August 21, 2020.      This project is being performed by the Eversource Gas Company under an encroachment permit.          LANE CLOSURE INFO Motorists can expect lane closures on Routes 106 and 124 northbound and southbound from Farm Road to South Avenue, South Ave to Cherry Street, Cherry Street to Main Street, and Main Street to East Avenue. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone.  The work schedule for this project is 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (Sunday through Thursday nights).  Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather  delays or other unforeseen conditions.  Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity. 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 aAlert: Construction News from CTDOT

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation Resurfacing along Route 83 in Ellington and Somers Posted on August 6 , 2020 The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that a milling and resurfacing project will be performed on Route 83 from the south junction of Route 140 (Maple Street) to Route 190 in Ellington and Somers beginning Thursday, August 6, 2020. The project consists of milling and resurfacing a 5.44-mile segment of Route 83 from the south junction of Route 140 (Maple Street) to Route 190 in Ellington and Somers.  This project is scheduled to begin milling on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 to Wednesday, August 5, 2020. The resurfacing segment of this project is anticipated to begin on Thursday, August 6, 2020 to Friday, August 21, 2020.      This project is included in the Department of Transportation's 2020 Vendor Resurfacing Program.   LANE CLOSURE INFO Motorists can expect lane closures on Route 83 from the south junction of Route 140 (Maple Street) to Route 190 in Ellington and Somers. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone. The regular work schedule for this project is 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday – Friday).  Except when working at major intersections where the start times may be 5:00 a.m.   Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity. 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