Slow Down, Save Lives: CTDOT Launches Statewide Enforcement to Combat Speeding

Web Version     Slow Down, Save Lives: CTDOT Launches Statewide Enforcement to Combat Speeding Posted on July 11 , 2024 Speeding was responsible for 115 fatalities in Connecticut in 2022 NEWINGTON, CT – This summer, the Connecticut Department of Transportation, in collaboration with state and local law enforcement and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is launching a high-visibility anti-speeding enforcement campaign. The campaign aims to increase awareness and promote safer driving behaviors with increased speed limit enforcement. The campaign runs from July 1 to September 5, 2024. In 2022, the last year of verifiable data, Connecticut recorded 115 fatalities due to speeding and reckless driving, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. Speeding accounts for roughly one-third of all traffic-related fatalities nationally. It is a form of reckless driving that jeopardizes the safety of all road users and remains a significant threat to public safety. It also just isn't a problem on the highway. According to NHTSA, in 2022, 87% of all speeding-related traffic fatalities on American roads occurred on non-interstate roadways. "The dangerous, selfish, reckless behaviors we're seeing on our roadways are costing people their lives. We need our community to do their part and slow down to help keep everyone safe," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Through this campaign we're sending a very clear message to drivers. Speeding-related deaths in Connecticut are preventable and can be avoided by obeying all posted speed limits." "These fatality numbers – 115 killed in traffic collisions due to speed – tell the story: drivers are still traveling too fast on Connecticut roads," said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. "The State Police works constantly to educate operators on the necessity of following all posted speed limits. Too often, we have seen firsthand the tragic results of speeding on our roadways. Crashes due to speeding are preventable, so we again ask all who get behind the wheel to be our partners in public safety by driving the speed limit." "The simple truth is this: Speed kills. Connecticut's police officers are dedicated to preventing these senseless deaths through vigorous speed enforcement. Please slow down," said Watertown Police Chief and Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee Josh Bernegger. For more information about the dangers of speeding, visit nhtsa.gov. ### 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 Awards more than $15.8 million in State Local Bridge Funding for 18 Projects in Connecticut

Web Version     CTDOT Awards more than $15.8 million in State Local Bridge Funding for 18 Projects in Connecticut Posted on July 10 , 2024 The CTDOT State Local Bridge Program provides 50% funding to reconstruct locally-owned bridges. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced more than $15.8 million in grants for 18 projects in Connecticut under the state-funded State Local Bridge Program. The State Local Bridge Program is a cost-matching grant program that provides 50% of project costs for locally-owned bridges. Towns and cities administer all design and construction aspects of their projects, while the CTDOT oversees project milestones and provides guidance for the municipalities. "Through the State Local Bridge Program, we are helping ensure locally-owned bridges remain in a state of good repair. Many of the projects are only moving forward as a result of the 50% grant provided by the state," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "This grant program continues to grow in popularity as it has proven to deliver results for communities large and small across the state." The grants approved in this round for current projects include: Berlin: Replace Bridge #007020, Spruce Brook Road over Spruce Brook ($1,569,480) Bridgeport: Replace Bridge #015028, Woodrow Avenue over Island Brook ($1,725,088) Bristol: Replace Bridge #017011, Andrews Street over an unnamed stream ($474,875) Bristol: Replace Bridge #017041, Field Street over an unnamed stream ($686,832) Burlington: Replace Bridge #020002, Alpine Drive over an unnamed stream ($515,850) Columbia: Replace Bridge #030008, Pine Street over Giffords Brook ($814,039.50) Coventry: Replace Bridge #032014, Parker Bridge Road over an unnamed brook ($714,450) Granby: Replace Bridge #055006, Doherty Road over East Branch of Salmon Brook ($1,160,000) Lyme: Replace Bridge #074002, Beaver Brook Road over an unnamed brook ($770,275) Newtown: Replace Bridge #096025, Brushy Hill Road over an unnamed brook ($830,875) Newtown: Replace Bridge #096002, Farrell Road over an unnamed brook ($761,000) Scotland: Replace Bridge #123003, Kemp Road over Kimball Pond Brook ($878,500) Sharon: Replace Bridge #125012, West Cornwall Road over Swamp Brook ($724,500) Southbury: Replace Bridge #130011, Spruce Brook Road over Spruce Brook ($671,000) Stamford: Replace Bridge #135008, Mill Road over an unnamed brook ($978,750) Stamford: Replace Bridge #135007, Old Long Ridge Road over an unnamed brook ($507,500) Thompson: Replace Bridge #03950, Buckley Hill Road over French River Canal ($1,450,000) Washington: Replace Bridge #150012, Walker Brook Road #2 over Walker Brook ($641,000) Since 2016, the State Local Bridge Program has provided more than $129 million in grants to Connecticut's towns and cities. The Connecticut General Assembly created the Local Bridge Program in 1984 as part of the State's Infrastructure Renewal Program. In Connecticut, there are approximately 4,200 local bridges and culverts on locally maintained roads. Construction and maintenance of these structures is the responsibility of the cities and towns who own them. The State Local Bridge Program provides significant financial relief to municipalities. For more information on the State Local Bridge Program, visit https://portal.ct.gov/dot/local-bridge-program/local-bridge-program. 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

Celebrate Freedom Responsibly: CTDOT Urges Sober Driving for a Safe July Fourth Holiday

Web Version     Celebrate Freedom Responsibly: CTDOT Urges Sober Driving for a Safe July Fourth Holiday Posted on July 3 , 2024 CTDOT and State and Local police issue a reminder: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is partnering with state and local law enforcement agencies this July Fourth weekend in an effort to combat impaired driving. Increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints will be in place throughout the holiday weekend. These efforts are part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, aimed at reducing impaired driving and saving lives. The Fourth of July holiday is one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to impaired driving crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, 487 people died in traffic crashes during the Fourth of July holiday period. Forty percent of those fatalities involved a drunk driver. Of those who died in drunk driving crashes, 27% were in a crash involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration at or above .15 g/dL — almost twice the legal limit in almost every state. In Connecticut in 2022, the last year of verifiable data, 127 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes, which accounted for nearly 35% of all fatalities in the state. "The Fourth of July is a time for celebration and safety should always come first," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Impaired driving puts everyone at risk. We urge all Connecticut residents to make responsible choices this holiday. If you plan to drink, please plan for a safe ride home. By making safety a priority, we can ensure this holiday is memorable for all the right reasons." "State Troopers urge all motor vehicle operators to practice lawful driving skills when traveling on Connecticut roads and highways. We know that this will be a very busy long holiday weekend for many people, so we ask residents to be prepared for traffic delays," said Connecticut State Police Commanding Officer Colonel Daniel Loughman. "In particular, we remind all drivers that the Move Over law requires motorists approaching stationary vehicles to slow to a speed below the posted speed limit immediately and, if traveling in the lane adjacent to a stopped vehicle, to move over one lane if possible. To ensure safety for all, please be aware of first responders and others who may be pulled over to the side of the road." "July 4th is a uniquely American pastime where we come together with family and friends to celebrate the anniversary of our nation's independence. Connecticut's police officers remind you to designate a sober driver during celebration activities," said Watertown Police Chief and Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee Josh Bernegger. "Extra police patrols will be deployed across the State to seek out and arrest impaired drivers to keep our roadways safe." The Connecticut Department of Transportation recommends safe alternatives to drinking and driving: Never drink and drive. Even a single alcoholic beverage can impair your ability to drive. Designate a sober driver to get home safely. Utilize rideshare programs or public transit. Plan ahead and have the apps on your phone and transit schedules readily available. Report drunk drivers to local law enforcement by calling 911. Prevent friends from driving drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive after drinking, take their keys and arrange a safe way for them to get home. For more information, visit nhtsa.gov. ### 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 Releases CX Action Plan Progress Report

Report highlights efforts being made to make public transportation safer and more accessible ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Releases the Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan Annual Progress Report Posted on June 27 , 2024 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today released its Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan Annual Progress Report highlighting the efforts being made to improve transit in the state. The CX Action Plan is a vision for the future of public transportation in Connecticut based on customer priorities and feedback. CTDOT held dozens of pop-up events, conducted focus groups, collected thousands of survey responses and interviewed dozens of stakeholders to develop the CX Action Plan. The Annual Progress Report provides customers with updates on the original 26 actions included in the CX Action Plan and identifies three new actions that aim to enhance the transit customer experience. Actions are categorized into three priority focus areas: Improved Service, Easier to Use, and Enhanced Accessibility and Comfort. Significant progress has been made in many actions over the last 12 months, including: Expanding bus services in Connecticut Launching a microtransit pilot program Enhancing various rail stations Investing in new battery electric buses with enhanced rider amenities The CX Action Plan Annual Progress Report can be viewed at transitcx.com/progress-report. "The CX Action Plan and Annual Progress Report demonstrates CTDOT's commitment to providing the best possible experience for public transit customers across the state.  Transit customers deserve to have their expectations exceeded at every step of their transit journey," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "Whether it's expanded service options, improvements to the trip planning and fare payment experience, brand new electric buses, or enhancements at bus stops and rail stations, the CX Action Plan is keeping the customer at the center of all of the projects and programs we are delivering at CTDOT." CTDOT first unveiled its Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan in June 2023, which outlined programs, policies, and investments to improve bus and rail services for all of Connecticut. In the CX Action Plan, CTDOT committed to providing annual updates on progress. The CTDOT Customer Experience unit will be holding pop-up events at transit hubs and community events in the coming months to share the highlights from the Annual Progress Report, and to continue connecting with transit customers.  For more information and to the read the CX Action Plan Annual Progress Report and the original CX Action Plan, please visit transitcx.com. 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

Drive Safe This Summer

CTDOT Encourages Drivers to Prioritize Safety During Peak Summer Travel Season ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Encourages Drivers to Prioritize Safety During Peak Summer Travel Season Posted on June 26 , 2024 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is urging drivers to prioritize safety and be mindful of road conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer travel season. With increased travel and warmer temperatures, and construction season in full swing, it's crucial to stay prepared and vigilant on the roads. In 2022, the last year of verifiable data, 122 people were killed and 614 people suffered serious injuries in crashes in Connecticut during the summer months from June to September. More than 35% of those fatalities and more than 31% of serious injuries involved motorcyclists. Three people were killed and two people were seriously hurt in work zone crashes. The summer months accounted for 34% of all roadway fatalities in 2022 and 64% of all motorcyclists' fatalities. "With active work zones around the state and busy summer travel upon us, we need drivers to do their part to keep themselves and everyone else on the road safe. Summer is a time for vacations and outdoor activities, and we want to ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "By staying mindful of our shared responsibility on the roads, we can all contribute to a safer driving environment for ourselves and others." The CTDOT offers the following tips for safe summer travel: Stay Hydrated and Rested: Long drives can be taxing. Ensure you are well-rested and stay hydrated to maintain focus and avoid fatigue. Check Your Vehicle: Before hitting the road, inspect your vehicle's tires, brakes, fluids, and air conditioning system. Proper maintenance can prevent breakdowns and crashes. Plan Your Route: Use navigation tools to plan your route in advance. Check for road work, detours, and traffic updates to avoid unexpected delays. Follow Speed Limits: Adhere to posted speed limits and drive according to road conditions. Summer often brings more pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on the road. Avoid using phones, eating, or engaging in activities that divert your attention from driving. Designate a passenger to handle navigation and communication tasks if necessary. Use Seat Belts: Ensure all passengers are wearing seat belts at all times, it is the law in the front seat and back seat to wear your seat belt. Watch for Work Zones: Summer is peak construction season. Slow down and be cautious in work zones to keep workers and other drivers safe. Visit CTroads.org for real-time traffic updates and to sign up for alerts. Stay Informed About Weather Conditions: Summer storms can lead to hazardous driving conditions. Stay informed about weather forecasts and adjust your travel plans accordingly. Stock Your Vehicle: Even a well-maintained vehicle can break down, so it is advisable to put together an emergency roadside kit to carry with you. This should include a cell phone and charger, so you can call for help when and where you need it, as well as other helpful items such as a first aid kit, a flashlight, jumper cables, and basic repair tools. Don't Drive Drunk or High: If you have used an impairing substance such as alcohol or drugs, do not drive. If you are planning to drink or partake, arrange for a sober ride. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver. For additional safety tips, visit nhtsa.gov. 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