---

DRAFT 2018 STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has prepared a draft 2018 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) covering 280 projects over the next four years. Public comment is encouraged at two Informational Meetings scheduled for Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at CTDOT Headquarters in Newington.

Transportation shapes our communities and touches much of our lives.  Because transportation effects are so pervasive, transportation systems should be designed and operated to produce benefits across the broadest set of societal values.  That can only be achieved if planning for transportation improvements reflects those values and the relationships of transportation to other aspects of our society.  As part of its planning effort, the Department of Transportation has initiated its public involvement process to receive input from all stake holders in the transportation system.

In its effort to assure that the process provides full and open access to all, the Department is providing opportunities for public review, comment and discussion of the transportation program-related improvements, which are being proposed for the next four years.  To accomplish this, the draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program has been forwarded to each of the metropolitan planning organizations and rural planning regions for public review and comment. 

This will afford the public more opportunities to become aware of the STIP, to review the Draft STIP and to provide comments related to the Draft STIP.  In addition to the regional public notices for the review period and public meetings, the Connecticut Department of Transportation has placed notices in several major newspapers advertising the availability of the draft STIP and where it can be reviewed.  It is hoped that these efforts will show that early-on public participation is valued and desired.  Explicit consideration and response to public input received will be given.

The portions of the Draft STIP in metropolitan planning areas have been developed in cooperation with the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs).  The MPOs' TIPs have been included in the draft STIP without modification.  The Rural Planning Regions have been consulted on their portion of the STIP.

The Draft STIP includes all federally funded highway and transit transportation improvements and is the regions and State's transportation investment program for the next four years.  It consists of capital and operating improvements to the State's highways and roads, and public transit systems.  Investments in various modes are included in the draft STIP.  The STIP is the means of implementing the goals and objectives identified in Long-Range Regional and State Transportation Plans utilizing federal funds.

The scope of the STIP has expanded over the last few years.  The STIP is now a more comprehensive transportation investment document.

With the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA), MPOs and the State are required to include in the STIP, all significant projects that could affect air quality.  The MPOs, the regional transportation agencies responsible for preparing the TIPs in urban areas, and the State, responsible for preparing the STIP outside urban areas, must determine whether the package of proposed transportation investments in their area – regardless of how they are funded – results in better air quality.  The Draft TIPs (which collectively makes up the Draft STIP) must be found in conformity to the State Implementation Plan (SIP).  The prepared Draft STIP has been assessed for its impact on air quality.  Using techniques which have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Draft STIP has been reviewed and found that the projects and programs contained therein will serve to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide and fine particulate matters.

The STIP for FFY 2018-2021 contains 280 projects in 32 federal funding categories.  It programs $2.993 billion in federal funds, which will be matched by  $585.808 million in state funds and $61.014 million in local funds, for a total program cost of $3.640 billion. Of the $585.808 million in state funds, $5.862 million is programmed for public transportation operating assistance. Within the transportation modes, a total of $2.817 billion (77.42%) will be used for highway and bridge capital programs and a total of $821.516 Million (22.58%) will be used for transit (rail, bus, and rideshare) capital and operating costs.

Examples of major projects included in the STIP:

-       Reconstruction of I-84 in Waterbury

-       The Rehabilitation of the (I-95) Gold Star Bridge in New London.

-       Replacement/rehabilitation of highway bridges throughout the state

-       I-84/CT 8 Waterbury, rehabilitation of various bridges

-       CT 9 Middletown, removal of traffic signals, revisions to ramps

-       I-95 Improvements to Interchange 74 in East Lyme

-       I-91/CT15 Hartford, Interchange 29 Reconfiguration at Charter Oak

-       I-95 Improvements, Greenwich to Stamford

-       Statewide bus replacements

-       Replacement of the New Haven Line tracks

-       Replacement of the New Haven line Positive Train Control System

-       Rehabilitation of the WALK, SAGA, EAST AVE, and OSBORNE AVE Bridges

The Draft STIP includes a priority list of projects to be carried out in a four-year period.  The priority list is grouped by year, with year one being the highest priority.  The program is financially constrained by year and the STIP includes a financial plan that demonstrates which projects can be implemented using current and proposed revenue sources.  Only those projects for which construction and operating funds can reasonably be expected to be available are included.

On Tuesday July 11, 2017, two Informational Meetings will be held at the Connecticut Department of Transportation, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Connecticut.  The first will be at 1:00 p.m. and the second will be at 7:00 p.m.  The meetings will provide a forum for a full and open discussion of the details of the 2018 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.  At these meetings, the public will have an opportunity to review, comment and discuss information regarding the STIP's projects and programs.  This forum will also provide the project sponsors with information from the public regarding their desires and concerns.  Department of Transportation staff will be available to help answer specific questions and clarify any proposed projects.  Please use this meeting as an opportunity to ask questions and provide input to this very important transportation planning effort.

Copies of the Draft 2018 STIP have been made available for review for a public comment period between June 15, 2017 and July 31, 2017.  This document is available for review at the CTDOT Administration Building in Newington and at each of the nine Metropolitan Planning Organizations and two Rural Planning Organizations.  An appointment is suggested in order to adequately schedule all interested parties.  To schedule an appointment at CTDOT, please call (860) 594-2040.  To schedule an appointment at one of the Planning Regions, please call them directly.

Written comments must be received on or before July 31, 2017.  Comments should be addressed to:

Mrs. Maribeth Wojenski

Transportation Assistant Planning Director

Bureau of Policy and Planning

Connecticut Department of Transportation

P.O. Box 317546

Newington, CT  06131-7546

Please include your name, address, and if applicable, the name of the company or organization you represent with your response.