Tuesday, September 22, 2020

CTDOT eAlert: Construction News from CTDOT

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Connecticut
Department of Transportation

Transmission tower installation will close Washington Blvd intersection in Stamford

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing a utility project to install transmission towers will close the intersection of Washington Boulevard (Route 493) and Station Place in Stamford, requiring a detour.

The project consists of erecting transmission towers. This project is scheduled to occur starting Friday, October 2, at 7:00 p.m. through 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2020.

This project is being performed by Eversource Energy under an Encroachment Permit.        

LANE CLOSURE INFO.

Motorists can expect Washington Boulevard to be closed at Station Place. Signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists around the work zone. Motorists and pedestrians should follow posted detour signs along City streets to guide them through the area and to the Metro North Train Station. Train Commuters: please note that Station Place will be open between Atlantic Street and the parking garage, but through traffic to/from Washington Boulevard will not be permitted. The work scheduled for this project is Friday, October 2, at 7:00 p.m. through 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2020.

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.


CTDOT eAlert: News from CTDOT

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Connecticut
Department of Transportation

APLICACION DE TARIFAS EN LOS AUTOBUSES DE CTTRANSIT EL 5 DE OCTUBRE

El Departamento de Transportacion de Connecticut (CTDOT) anunció la reanudación de la aplicación de tarifas y el embarque por la puerta principal en los autobuses de CTtransit a nivel estatal el lunes 5 de octubre de 2020. El uso de las cajas de tarifas y el embarque por la puerta principal se suspendió temporalmente en todo el estado debido a las precauciones de seguridad del COVID-19. Otros operadores y el Acta de Americanos con Discapacidades (ADA) del estado están en proceso de restablecer y ejecutar la tarifa y esta anticipado que este en su lugar antes del 1 de noviembre. Los pasajeros deben buscar avisos a bordo de los autobuses y consultar los sitios web y las redes sociales del operador de tránsito local para averiguar cuándo se reanudará la aplicación de la tarifa en su área.

 

"El servicio de autobuses sigue siendo un apoyo crítico para muchos durante esta crisis de salud pública", dijo el comisionado del CTDOT, Joseph Giulietti. "La relajación de la aplicación de tarifas nos permitió seguir prestando servicios mientras mejoramos nuestros almacenes de autobuses con la instalación de barreras de seguridad. Estas barreras, junto con el adecuado distanciamiento social y el uso de máscaras por parte de nuestros clientes y operadores de autobuses, ayudarán a garantizar la seguridad del publico que viaja nuestros autobúses."

 

Las barreras de seguridad entre el conductor y las cajas de tarifas se instalarán en todos los autobuses de CTtransit en las divisiones de Hartford, New Haven y Stamford antes del 5 de octubre. Estas barreras garantizarán la seguridad tanto de los conductores de autobuses como de los pasajeros. Se establecerán barreras temporales en los servicios de autobuses que aún se encuentran en el proceso de adquisición e instalación.

 

Antes del COVID-19, CTDOT instaló barreras permanentes en algunos autobuses de CTtransit sobre una base de prueba para probar su efectividad y asegurarse de que no interfirieran con el funcionamiento regular del autobús. Los comentarios sobre las barreras tanto de los conductores como de los pasajeros fueron positivos.

 

"Las barreras permanentes tuvieron un desempeño admirable en nuestras pruebas, y estamos encantados de implementar esta importante característica de seguridad en nuestro almacen de vehículos", declaró Dennis Solensky, Administrador de Tránsito de la Oficina de Transporte Público de CTDOT. "Como resultado de la pandemia, aumentamos la compra e instalación de estas barreras para garantizar que nuestros conductores y pasajeros permanezcan seguros durante estos tiempos únicos. A través de la acción rápida del Departamento, sus empleados, el fabricante de las barreras y el personal de mantenimiento de autobuses, estas barreras se instalaron en poco tiempo para garantizar que nuestra infraestructura de transporte esencial esté lista para cualquier desafío que podamos enfrentar".

 

A los clientes de autobuses también se les recuerda la disponibilidad de la tarjeta Go CT para un pago rápido y sin contacto en la caja de tarifas. Los pasajeros que utilicen una tarjeta Go CT, simplemente toquen su tarjeta en la caja de tarifas. Aquellos que utilicen la tarjeta pagarán la tarifa más baja posible sin problema alguno y los fondos en la tarjeta nunca caducarán. Las tarjetas Go CT se pueden comprar a través del sitio web de CTtransit, en los puntos de venta de CTtransit y una creciente red de venta en el estado. Para obtener más información sobre la tarjeta Go CT, visite www.cttransit.com.

 

CTDOT le recuerda a pasajeros: "¿Olvidó su máscara? Sólo pregúnte." Las máscaras gratuitas están disponibles para los pasajeros de tránsito en los puntos de venta de billetes a bordo los autobúses y trenes si un pasajero ha olvidado su máscara.


Monday, September 21, 2020

CTRDPT eAlert -- News from CTDOT

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Connecticut
Department of Transportation

FARE ENFORCEMENT AND FRONT DOOR BOARDING TO RESUME ON CTTRANSIT BUSES OCTOBER 5

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced the resumption of fare enforcement and front door boarding on CTtransit buses statewide effective Monday, October 5, 2020. The use of the fare boxes and front door boarding was temporarily suspended statewide due to COVID-19 safety precautions. Other transit and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit operators in the state are in the process of reinstating fare enforcement and all are anticipated to have it in place by November 1st. Riders should look for notices onboard buses and check local transit operator's websites and social media to find out when fare enforcement will resume in their area.

"Bus service continues to be a critical lifeline to many during this public health crisis," said CTDOT Commissioner Joseph Giulietti. "The relaxation of fare enforcement allowed us to continue to provide service while we upgraded our bus fleets with the installation of safety barriers. These barriers, along with appropriate social distancing and wearing of masks by our customers and bus operators, will help ensure the safety of the bus riding public."

Safety barriers between the driver and the fare boxes will be installed on all CTtransit buses in the Hartford, New Haven and Stamford divisions by October 5. These barriers will ensure the safety of both the bus drivers and passengers. Temporary barriers will be in place on bus services that are still in the procurement and installation process.

Prior to COVID-19, CTDOT installed permanent barriers on some CTtransit buses on a trial basis to test their effectiveness and ensure that they did not interfere with the regular operation of the bus. Feedback about the barriers from both drivers and passengers was positive.

"The permanent barriers did perform admirably in our tests, and we are thrilled to roll out this important safety feature on our fleet of vehicles" stated Dennis Solensky, Transit Administrator of CTDOT Bureau of Public Transportation. "As a result of the pandemic, we moved up the purchase and installation of these barriers to ensure that our drivers and passengers remain safe during these unique times. Through quick action of the Department, its employees, the manufacturer of the barriers and bus maintenance staff, these barriers were installed in short order to ensure our essential transportation infrastructure is ready for any challenge we may face."

Bus customers are also reminded about the availability of the Go CT card for quick, contactless payment at the farebox. Passengers who use a Go CT card, just tap their card at the farebox. Those who use the card will pay the lowest possible fare with no guesswork and the funds on the card never expire. Go CT cards can be purchased through the CTtransit online store, at CTtransit sales outlets and a growing network of retailers in the state. For more information about the Go CT card, please visit www.cttransit.com.

CTDOT is reminding passengers, "Forgot your mask? Just ask." Free masks are available to transit passengers at staffed bus and rail ticket sales outlets and onboard trains if a rider has forgotten their mask.


CTDOT Holds Car Seat Checks During Child Passenger Safety Week

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing a series of child seat checks, a safety event held to teach parents and caregivers about proper car seat installation, during Child Passenger Safety Week, September 20 – 26, 2020.

The events will teach parents and caregivers how to use car seats correctly and how to properly install them.  Technicians will also be on-site to discuss car seat selections with parents and answer any other questions.

In 2018, one child under the age of 13 in a passenger vehicle was involved in a crash every 32 seconds.    According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of car seats are misused.

"The most important task of a parent or caregiver is to keep their children safe," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti.  "And part of that responsibility is ensuring children are safely buckled up in the correct, and properly installed car seat for their age and size — every trip, every time."

The consequences of misused car seats can be disastrous, and it is critical that car seat instructions are read and followed.   Research shows that when used correctly, car seats decrease the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers (1 to 4 years old) in cars, and by 58% and 59%, respectively, for infants and toddlers in light trucks. Additionally, using the tether on a forward-facing car seat reduces the chances of injury in a crash.

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

 

  • 300 Chase Avenue, Waterbury September 24th (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
  • 295 Meridian Street, Groton September 26th (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
  • 165 Miller Street, Meriden, September 26th (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 

 
 
Parents, guardians, and caregivers can also visit www.nhtsa.gov/therightseat to learn other tips on car seat safety, watch how-to videos, and sign up for car seat recall notifications.

 


CTDOT eAlert: News from CTDOT

Web Version    
DOT Seal
Connecticut
Department of Transportation

CTDOT Holds Car Seat Checks During Child Passenger Safety Week

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing a series of child seat checks, a safety event held to teach parents and caregivers about proper car seat installation, during Child Passenger Safety Week, September 20 – 26, 2020.

The events will teach parents and caregivers how to use car seats correctly and how to properly install them.  Technicians will also be on-site to discuss car seat selections with parents and answer any other questions.

In 2018, one child under the age of 13 in a passenger vehicle was involved in a crash every 32 seconds.    According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of car seats are misused.

"The most important task of a parent or caregiver is to keep their children safe," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti.  "And part of that responsibility is ensuring children are safely buckled up in the correct, and properly installed car seat for their age and size — every trip, every time."

The consequences of misused car seats can be disastrous, and it is critical that car seat instructions are read and followed.   Research shows that when used correctly, car seats decrease the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers (1 to 4 years old) in cars, and by 58% and 59%, respectively, for infants and toddlers in light trucks. Additionally, using the tether on a forward-facing car seat reduces the chances of injury in a crash.

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

 

  • 300 Chase Avenue, Waterbury September 24th (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
  • 295 Meridian Street, Groton September 26th (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
  • 165 Miller Street, Meriden, September 26th (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 

 
 
Parents, guardians, and caregivers can also visit www.nhtsa.gov/therightseat to learn other tips on car seat safety, watch how-to videos, and sign up for car seat recall notifications.

 


Friday, September 18, 2020

CTDOT eAlert: News from CTDOT

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Connecticut
Department of Transportation

National Roundabouts Week is September 21-25

The week of September 21, 2020, is National Roundabouts Week. Roundabouts -- an updated and safer version of what used to be called traffic circles or rotaries -- are a form of traffic-calming in urban and sometimes less-urban areas.

It has been shown that converting a typical four-way intersection into a roundabout results in an 80 percent reduction in severe crashes and a 50 percent reduction in crashes overall.

Roundabouts virtually eliminate broadside ("T-bone") and head-on collisions, which tend to be the most serious crashes.  The design of the roundabout reduces speeds, making it easier for motorists to make driving decisions such as avoiding potential crashes and finding gaps to enter the roundabout.

Since there are no stop signs or traffic lights to halt traffic, roundabouts promote a continuous flow for vehicles and reduce delay and congestion.

Roundabouts also benefit pedestrians, as the raised "splitter" islands allow pedestrians to cross one direction of traffic at a time by providing pedestrian refuge areas. These islands, combined with lower speeds, offer pedestrians more crossing opportunities and improve safety.

In recent years, the Connecticut Department of Transportation has completed six roundabouts around the state; 16 more are either in the planning stages or being constucted.