Governor Rell Commemorates 50th Anniversary Of the Opening of the Connecticut Turnpike
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CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 |
FOR RELEASE:October 28 , 2008 |
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 Fax: (860) 594-3066 Web site:www.ct.gov/dot |
Hailing it as “one of the most valuable and productive drivers of the Connecticut economy,” Governor M. Jodi Rell today helped mark and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Connecticut Turnpike – officially the John Davis Lodge Turnpike that, as Interstate 95, carries tens of thousands of vehicles every day.
“Creating this country’s interstate highway system was truly visionary,” Governor Rell said during a ceremony at the Madison Historical Society, which has assembled a fascinating exhibit on the Turnpike’s conception, design, construction and opening in 1958. “Generations of Americans have motored up and down the East Coast on 95 And the Connecticut Turnpike has been the Gateway to
Deputy Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Jeff Parker noted that the Department of Transportation (DOT) spends millions every year on widening, maintenance and modernization projects every year on the Turnpike.
“We are committed to keeping the Connecticut Turnpike among the safest and best-maintained highways in the country,” Deputy Commissioner Parker said. “The men and women of the DOT do a remarkable job along this route every day, year-round.”
Built in just three years at a cost of $464 million, the 111-mile highway between
On an average day more than 1 million vehicles use the Turnpike. In Greenwich, the average daily traffic Turnpike volume is about 160,000 vehicles; in Bridgeport it’s 125,000 per day; in New Haven, 152,000; Madison, 66,100; and at the Rhode Island border, 39,200.
The Madison Historical Society (MHS) was established in 1917 to collect and preserve the memories of the town’s elder citizens, many of whom had served in the Civil War. MHS also owns and maintains the Lee Academy, located near the Madison Town Green, and the secluded Smallpox Cemetery, just off the west bank of the East River in neighboring Guilford.