CTDOT Wins National Transportation Awards 🏆

CTDOT recognized with three awards, including the "America's Transportation Award" Grand Prize. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Wins National Transportation Awards Posted on November 19 , 2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced it received three national transportation awards, including the prestigious 2025 America's Transportation Awards Grand Prize. The awards were announced on November 19, 2025 at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City. CTDOT won the Grand Prize for its emergency project demolishing, and then rebuilding, the Fairfield Avenue Bridge over I-95 in Norwalk in 2024. With it, CTDOT received a $10,000 prize, which is being donated to the Andrew DiDomenico Memorial Foundation and Connecticut Foodshare. "This emergency had the potential to impede travel and freight movement on the busy I-95 corridor. I am so incredibly proud of our crews and contractors who answered the call and delivered for Norwalk, the state of Connecticut, and the entire northeast region," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "From reopening I-95 in both directions in a matter of days to rebuilding the entire Fairfield Avenue Bridge in just seven months, this project, from unexpected start to celebratory finish, showed what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal governments work together. Congratulations to all for receiving this well-deserved recognition."  Created by AASHTO 18 years ago, the America's Transportation Awards competition highlights the positive impact of state DOT projects on communities nationwide. CTDOT and 11 other state departments of transportation vied for the Grand Prize, after winning regional awards earlier this year from a field of 135 different submissions. The Delaware Department of Transportation's SR 299, SR 1 to Catherine Street Widening Project, received the People's Choice Award. The Grand Prize received by CTDOT ultimately was decided by an independent panel of transportation experts. Both America's Transportation Awards were announced on November 19. "From reconstructing a bridge in record time following a fiery crash to bolstering traffic capacity and adding transit, pedestrian, and bicycle facilities to better serve a growing population, these two winning projects showcase how state DOTs truly make a difference in their communities," said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. "The 2025 America's Transportation Awards competition received the most state DOT nominations to date – highlighting this year's most innovative transportation projects that bolster safety, boost the economy, and improve the quality of life for everyone."  CTDOT was also recognized at the Annual Meeting with two AASHTO President's Awards. The AASHTO President's Transportation Awards honor individuals or teams at state departments of transportation that have performed exemplary service during the year, furthering the transportation activities of member departments and the work that has made their communities better for all who live and visit there. CTDOT received an award for its joint work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) on the impactful Empathy at the Intersection program. This program initiative puts transportation professionals into customers' shoes to experience and see the street through the eyes of vulnerable users and operators. The program is a model of innovation that is shifting mindsets and bias. Additionally, CTDOT received an AASHTO President's Award for the first-in-the-country Section 106 Joint Programmatic Agreement it signed with the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). The agreement established a unified federal review process and delegating authority to the state, which will accelerate the review of individual transportation projects that may affect historic properties under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. This streamlined agreement cuts through red tape and helps projects move into construction faster. For more information about the awards and AASHTO, visit transportation.org.   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 Urges Drivers to Slow Down, Move Over to Keep Crash Responders Safe

Web Version     CTDOT Urges Drivers to Slow Down and Move Over to Keep Crash Responders Safe Posted on November 17 , 2025 National Crash Responder Safety Week is November 17-21, 2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and the Greater Hartford Traffic Incident Management Coalition are calling for increased safety and awareness on the roads for traffic incident responders who put their lives on the line while saving others in honor of National Crash Responder Safety Week, which is November 17-21, 2025. The theme of this year is "Safety Starts with You – Slow Down and Move Over!" Every year, traffic incident responders put their lives at risk to clear the 7 million motor vehicle crashes that happen across the country. Nearly every week, national numbers show, a traffic incident responder is struck and killed while working to keep roadways safe – with many more sustaining life-altering injuries. In Connecticut, CTDOT partners closely with law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies, towing and recovery professionals, public works teams, safety service patrols, and many others who respond to roadway incidents. Together, these traffic incident responders assist thousands of drivers every year — providing emergency traffic control, protecting crash scenes, and clearing incidents quickly to keep everyone on the road safe. "We've unfortunately seen tragedies unfold across the country and here in Connecticut," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. "It's critical motorists understand the important role they play in keeping our first responders and workers safe. We're urging everyone to slow down, move over, and remain vigilant any time they see flashing lights. Lives depend on it." "During National Crash Responder Safety Week, we honor our first responders who risk their lives on Connecticut roadways every day," said Middletown Police Chief Erik Costa. "Their safety is paramount, as they respond to crisis in the most hazardous conditions. It is our duty to support and advocate for enhanced safety measures, training, and awareness to ensure they return home safely to their families." Connecticut has one of the strongest "Slow Down, Move Over" laws in the nation, requiring drivers to slow down and, when safe, move over for any vehicle stopped on the side of the road — not just emergency responders. On multi-lane roads: Move over one lane if it is safe and reasonable. On one-lane roads: Slow down to a reasonable speed. Penalties: Violations can result in significant fines, with increased penalties if an injury or death occurs. If a driver cannot move over a lane, they are required to slow down and proceed with caution. In Connecticut, the law took effect in 2009 to reduce risk to law-enforcement officers, emergency responders, and tow operators. It was expanded in 2017 to apply to every stationary vehicle along the roadside. To help keep roadside responders safe, CTDOT offers free Traffic Incident Management (TIM) training that brings together all incident responders to ensure the safe, quick, and coordinated clearance of crashes. The program focuses on responder safety and consistent incident management practices statewide. Since 2022, CTDOT has held nearly 350 training sessions, providing valuable resources and information to more than 8,000 incident responders – with approximately 60 classes already booked into 2026.  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 Announces Additional Train Service on the Hartford Line During Thanksgiving Travel

Web Version     CTDOT Announces Additional Train Service on the Hartford Line During Thanksgiving Travel Posted on November 14 , 2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced that additional trains are being added on the Hartford Line (HL) in anticipation of increased ridership over the Thanksgiving holiday. Additionally, the New Haven Line and Shore Line East will operate with modified schedules over the holiday. The Hartford Line will operate a Saturday schedule on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27. On Friday, November 28, the HL will operate a normal weekday schedule. Additional CTrail HL trains will be added to the schedule to accommodate the anticipated increased passenger volume. That includes: Four northbound and four southbound CTrail trains will be added to the schedule on Tuesday, November 25, and Wednesday, November 26. Three northbound and three southbound CTrail trains will be added to the schedule on Sunday, November 30. CTDOT staff will also be at Hartford Line Stations, including New Haven Union Station and Hartford Union Station, on Tuesday, November 25, Wednesday, November 26, and Sunday, November 30 to assist passengers traveling for the holiday. "This holiday travel season, we're adding more trains on the Hartford Line to make getting to your destination easier. Our staff will be at stations to help all riders – whether it's your first trip or your hundredth – to find and board the right train," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "We're thankful for our rail service providers for partnering with us, ensuring that riders have more options to travel in Connecticut during the upcoming holiday." To see the entire schedule, please visit HartfordLine.com. Additionally, Shore Line East will operate on a weekend schedule on Thursday, November 27, and a weekday schedule on Friday, November 28. Please visit ShoreLineEast.com for the most current schedules. Metro-North Railroad will also operate a special train schedule on the New Haven Line on Thursday, November 28, and will operate a modified Saturday schedule on Friday, November 29. Please visit new.mta.info for the most current New Haven Line schedules. While reservations are never required on CTrail HL trains, passengers planning to ride an Amtrak HL train during the holiday should make a reservation before traveling through the Amtrak website or the Amtrak mobile app. All Amtrak trains may reach capacity in this peak travel period and if at capacity, will not accept CTrail or UPass ticket holders on board the train. During this holiday, passengers using Amtrak multi-ride tickets – such as monthly passes and 10-trip tickets – should also make a reservation on board the Amtrak train they wish to use. Travel is encouraged early in the day to avoid overcrowding. HL passengers are encouraged to pre-purchase their rail tickets before boarding. CTrail passengers may purchase their rail tickets using the CTrail eTix mobile ticketing app or at CTrail ticket vending machines. Passengers are encouraged to visit HartfordLine.com or Amtrak.com for the latest service information. Riders can also sign up for alerts sent directly to their phone or email at HartfordLine.com/service-alerts. For information about all rail services in Connecticut, visit CTrail.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

CTDOT Launches Transit Courtesy Campaign

Web Version     CTDOT Launches Transit Courtesy Campaign Posted on November 3 , 2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the launch of "Conn-Etiquette: Your Guide to a Better Ride" – a statewide campaign dedicated to fostering kindness, respect, and courtesy across all bus services in the state. This customer-focused initiative supports CTDOT's commitment to providing safe, efficient, and welcoming transit experiences for all. WATCH: Conn-Etiquette Explained Building upon the statewide Transit Customer Code of Conduct established in partnership between CTDOT and service providers, Conn-Etiquette offers easy-to-follow guidance designed to improve the transit experience for customers and bus operators. Through this campaign, CTDOT encourages customers to embrace small and thoughtful gestures – such as greeting bus operators, offering seats, and keeping aisles clear – that go a long way toward creating a positive ride for everyone.   "This campaign is not just about rules – it's about fostering a culture of respect and shared responsibility," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Transit Administrator Lisa Rivers. "Conn-Etiquette empowers our customers to help make transit a welcoming and comfortable space for everyone." Some of the messages the Conn-Etiquette campaign will include: Kind Words Only: Maintain polite, quiet, and respectful conversation. Stay Safe – Never Cross in Front of the Bus: Wait until the bus pulls away before crossing the street. Ride Clean, Ride Respectfully: No smoking, drinking, littering, or vandalism. Let the Operator Do Their Job: Minimize distractions while the vehicle is in motion. Show Some Kindness: A simple smile and 'thank you' goes a long way. Have Your Fare Ready: Keep the boarding process smooth for fellow riders. Fold It, Stow It, Keep Aisles Clear: Strollers and carts should be folded before boarding. Save Snacks for Later: Eating and drinking onboard buses is not permitted. See Something, Say Something: Report concerns to transit staff. In an Emergency, Follow Instructions: Remain calm and listen to transit personnel. Conn-Etiquette materials will be visible onboard buses statewide and across digital platforms, including social media – making it easier than ever for customers to participate and share the message. To learn more about Conn-Etiquette, visit YourGuidetoaBetterRide.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

CTDOT Reminds the Public to Stay Alert as Daylight Hours Decrease and Halloween Nears

Web Version     CTDOT Reminds the Public to Stay Alert as Daylight Hours Decrease and Halloween Nears Posted on October 30 , 2025 As part of National Pedestrian Safety Month, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is urging motorists and pedestrians to exercise extra caution this Halloween weekend. With shorter daylight hours and the end of Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, November 2, it's especially important to stay alert to changing road conditions and reduced visibility. In Connecticut in 2024, there were 1,429 crashes involving pedestrians on Connecticut roads, with 62 pedestrian fatalities. As of October 30, 2025, preliminary data for 2025 shows that there have been 866 crashes involving pedestrians, and 45 pedestrians have been killed in Connecticut. "This time of year brings darker evenings, busier roads, and we need drivers to do everything they can to keep themselves and those around them safe," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "We're asking all Connecticut residents to look out for one another. A few simple actions, putting the phone away, slowing down, and watching for pedestrians, can save lives and make our communities safer for everyone." "Pedestrian safety should be a priority for all drivers as they navigate local and state roads," said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. "With darkness arriving earlier this weekend, we caution motor vehicle operators to ditch the distractions, reduce speeds, and focus solely on driving when behind the wheel." "As daylight hours shorten, it becomes more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially during dawn and dusk," said Watertown Police Chief Joshua Bernegger, chair of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association's Traffic Safety Committee. "We urge everyone walking to stay alert and make themselves visible. Drivers should slow down, stay attentive, and be prepared for reduced visibility. Together, we can help ensure everyone gets home safely this season." CTDOT offers several tips for drivers to help keep pedestrians safe: Shared responsibility: Be aware of pedestrians at all times and in all locations. Drive cautiously in low-visibility conditions: Be extra careful at night or during bad weather. Slow down near crosswalks: Be ready to stop when approaching or turning into crosswalks. Yield to pedestrians: Stop at crosswalks and maintain a safe distance, allowing other drivers to see and stop for pedestrians as well. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk: There may be pedestrians crossing that you cannot see. Never drive under the influence: Always ensure you are sober when driving. Obey speed limits: Especially in school zones and residential areas where children are present. Be careful when reversing: Check for pedestrians behind your vehicle before backing up. For more safety information and tips for parents, caregivers, and children, 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