CT DOT Donates Rail Cars to CT Military for Disaster Training

CT DOT Donates Rail Cars to CT Military for Disaster Training The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) is donating two out-of-service rail cars to the Connecticut Military Department for use in disaster training drills for first responders. The cars were delivered to Camp Hartell in Windsor Locks, where the Military Department operates the New England Disaster Training Center.

Modest Rail Fare Increase Take Effect January 1, 2013

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) reminds passengers that the second of three modest fare increases will go into effect on January 1, 2013. Monthly tickets on sale for January will reflect the new fares. The new fares will take effect on Shore Line East and New Haven Line rail services. There will be no fare increase on bus services.

SHORE LINE EAST RAIL SERVICE UPDATES AVAILABLE ON TWITTER

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced the availability of Shore Line East rail service updates through Twitter. These alerts allow travelers to receive important alerts about train service changes and delays.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is Announcing that Train Service will Resume on the New Canaan Branch on Tuesday, November 13, 2012. Regular Weekday Train Schedule will be Operated.

Metro-North forces have been working both day and night to repair overhead catenary wires, the railroad signal system and to complete extensive track clearing following the damage caused by storm Sandy. The New Canaan Branch will be fully operational for Tuesday morning's commute.

Governor Malloy: Service on Main New Haven Rail Line Resumes Friday Morning

As the result of night-and-day repairs and coordinated equipment logistics by a dedicated workforce in the wake of the devastation left by Hurricane Sandy, Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that regular weekday service will return Friday morning to the main line of the New Haven rail commuter line. In addition, the Governor said that train fares will be waived on Friday. The New Haven Line is operated by Metro-North under contract to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, and is the busiest rail line in America, serving some 125,000 daily commuters.

CT DOT Public Transportation Updates

New updates for public transportation services have been posted.

GOV MALLOY: HISTORIC ARRIGONI BRIDGE FULLY OPEN AFTER CONSTRUCTION

Governor Dannel P. Malloy and James Redeker, Commissioner of the State Department of Transportation (DOT), joined Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Middletown Mayor Dan Drew, Portland First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield, federal transportation officials, and local leaders to celebrate the completion of the year-long rehabilitation of the Arrigoni Bridge. Officials unveiled the original 1938 bronze bridge marker during the rededication ceremony.

Connecticut Awarded $275,000 Texting Enforcement Ban Demonstration Grant from US DOT

The State of Connecticut was one of two of 39 eligible States in the nation to receive a Texting Ban Demonstration Project Grant award in the amount of $275,000 from the federal government via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

New, More Frequent Service Begins October 14 on the New Haven Line

Train service on weekends and weekdays gets a big boost when Metro-North introduces the new fall New Haven Line train schedule beginning this Sunday, October 14, 2012. The new schedule includes 45 additional New Haven Line trains each week.

Newly Renovated Service Plazas Reopen on I-395 in Plainfield

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today that the newly renovated service plazas on I-395 northbound and southbound in Plainfield have reopened. This brings to six the number of service plazas that have been completely remodeled or rebuilt by Project Service LLC, the company now operating the 23 DOT-owned service plazas around the state.

GOV. MALLOY: $121 MILLION RELEASED FOR HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROGRAM

Governor Dannel P. Malloy and the U.S. Department of Transportation today announced the release of $120.9 million in FRA funding to Connecticut to advance the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) Rail Program. The federal funding will be matched by $141.9 million in state funding. Enhanced intercity rail service is expected to start in 2016.

DOT Finds Structural Deficiencies to Some Plow Trucks; 42 Are Pulled from Service

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced that during this year's standard inspection process, the agency found that 42 trucks used to plow snow that were purchased in 2008 appeared to have signs of premature fatigue to the truck frames.

International Walk to School Day, October 3, 2012

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is encouraging Connecticut schools to join schools from around the world in celebrating International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 3, 2012.

DOT to Present Recent Results of Flower Street Crossing Closure Study to Neighborhood Groups

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) is presenting the results of a recent pedestrian and vehicular study regarding the upcoming Flower Street crossing closure at two community meetings in Hartford this week.

“Walk it Bike It Back To School” Traffic Safety Reminders and Tips

As Connecticut’s children head back to school this week and in the coming weeks, the Connecticut Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to take extra precaution when travelling in school zones.

Public Input Sought on Stamford Parking Garage and Transit-Oriented Development Project at Stamford Transportation Center

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) is announcing that a Public Hearing will take place September 20 for the Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) of the Stamford Parking Garage and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Project in Stamford.

Anna Barry Named Deputy DOT Commissioner

Commissioner James P. Redeker today announced appointment of Anna M. Barry as Deputy Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT). In this position, Barry will fill the role of Chief Operating Officer and support the Commissioner in implementing the strategy and goals for the agency.

GOV. MALLOY, FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LEADERS OPEN NORTHBOUND I-95 ‘Q BRIDGE’

The northbound side of the new five-lane Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge on I-95 in New Haven – informally known as the Q Bridge – will open this weekend following a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Governor Dannel P. Malloy, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and a host of federal, state and local officials.

GOVERNOR MALLOY AND LEGISLATORS BREAK GROUND ON I-95 PROJECT

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today joined State Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Representative Larry Cafero (R-Norwalk) and other state and local officials in breaking ground for a $42 million highway improvement project designed to enhance traffic safety and ease congestion on I-95 in Norwalk.

Commissioner Redeker Takes Over as President of NASTO

Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker is the new president of the Northeast Association of State Transportation Officials (NASTO) – a collaborative of transportation leaders from the Northeastern United States and eastern Canada that works to advance highway, transit and related issues and policies important to the region.

Innovative Transit-Oriented Development Proposals

Hoping to spur new investment and development at and around the Stamford Transportation Center, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking proposals for expanded parking and transit-oriented development (TOD).

GOV. MALLOY: BUSWAY INITIATIVE BRINGS JOBS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO CONNECTICUT

Governor Dannel P. Malloy and top federal, state and local officials today held a ceremonial groundbreaking for Connecticut’s first rapid transit system, CTfastrak, in Hartford. Known informally during the planning stages as the New Britain-Hartford Busway, the project will include 11 stations in New Britain, Newington, West Hartford and Hartford with buses running every three to six minutes during peak commuting hours.

Public Workshop Concerning the Merritt Parkway Multi-use Trail Feasibility Study to be Held on Thursday, May 17, 2012, in Norwalk

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a Public Workshop concerning the Merritt Parkway Multi-use Trail feasibility study on Thursday, May 17, 2012, at the Norwalk High School Cafeteria, Norwalk, Connecticut. The workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Public Workshop Concerning the Merritt Parkway Multi-use Trail Feasibility Study to be Held on Monday, May 14, 2012, in Trumbull

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a Public Workshop concerning the Merritt Parkway Multi-use Trail feasibility study on Monday, May 14, 2012 at the Trumbull Library (Community Room), 33 Quality Street, Trumbull, Connecticut. The workshop will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Connecticut Marks the 100th M-8 Rail Car Accepted for Service

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and MTA Metro-North Railroad (MNR) today announced the acceptance of the 100th M-8 rail car for revenue service. M-8 trains operate during peak and off-peak time periods, weekdays and weekends, between New Haven, Stamford and Grand Central Terminal.

May 9th is 'Bike to School Day'

Governor Dannel Malloy has officially proclaimed May 9, 2012 as “Bike to School Day” in the State of Connecticut to encourage all citizens to consider the safety of children who walk or bicycle to school.

Public Hearings Scheduled for the Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Evaluation for the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Line High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Project

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that the Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Evaluation (EA/EIE) of the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Line High Speed, Intercity Passenger Rail Project (State Project No. 170-2296) is now available for public review and comment.

Bike Month - May 2012

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is promoting bicycling and cycle safety in the month of May. Several towns around the state and other organizations will be hosting events all month long. Bike to Work Week is May 14th through the 18th, culminating in Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 18. Visit Bike Walk Connecticut at www.bikewalkct.org for a listing of events and a link to the National Bike Challenge.

Public Workshop Concerning the Merritt Parkway Multi-use Trail Feasibility Study to be Held on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, in Westport

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a Public Workshop concerning the Merritt Parkway Multi-use Trail feasibility study on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at the Westport Police Department, Police Headquarters Classroom, 50 Jesup Road, Westport, Connecticut. The workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Busway Groundbreaking Scheduled as Final Environmental Permit is Approved

The Department of Transportation (DOT) received word today that the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) has approved the final wetlands permit needed for the New Britain-Hartford Busway, clearing the way for a formal groundbreaking next month.

Two New Parking Levels Added to Harbor Yard Garage

Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch and Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker today announced two new levels have opened for public parking at the Harbor Yard Garage (HYG) in Bridgeport. The new parking levels will add 500 parking spaces, to bring the total to 1,400 in the HYG.

CONNECTICUT COMMUTERS ENCOURAGED TO SHARE A RIDE DURING CTrides WEEK - MAY 14-18

Connecticut residents are invited to participate in a week-long challenge to try alternative methods of travel for their daily commutes. For at least one day during a special CTrides Week from May 14 to 18, drivers are asked to take advantage of various ride-sharing options instead of driving alone.

Quiet Car Pilot Program Debuts on Select Shore Line East Trains April 23, 2012

The Connecticut Department of Transportation today announced that, beginning April 23, 2012, quiet cars will debut on select Shore Line East trains. Launched as a pilot program, two morning and one evening weekday peak-hour Shore Line East trains, will feature quiet cars.

Surplus State-Owned Railroad Materials to be Re-Used Across Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Transportation today announced that several state-owned freight rail lines will benefit from track material generated from the West Haven train station project. These freight rail lines are operated and maintained by private companies.

Connecticut to Receive New Fuel Cell Bus under USDOT Grant

CTTransit, the statewide bus system administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT), will be getting a new, next generation hydrogen fuel cell bus, to add to the Hartford-area fleet, under a $3.3 million grant just announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration.

DOT Awards Three More Busway Contracts

Three more contracts have been awarded for the construction of the New Britain-Hartford Busway by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT); all three were awarded to Connecticut-based companies. The work will begin later this spring.

Quiet Car Program Expands to All New Haven Line Rush-Hour Trains on April 2

The Connecticut Department of Transportation today announced that, beginning April 2, all morning and evening peak-hour New Haven Line trains will have “quiet cars” for customers who would like an environment free of cell phones, loud conversations and all manner of beeps and buzzes.

DOT Awards Major Busway Contract as DEEP Permit is Approved

With the approval by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) of a wetlands permit for the New Britain-Hartford Busway, the Department of Transportation (DOT) today awarded the largest of the construction contracts to build the 9.4 mile bus rapid transit project.

Public Workshop Concerning the Merritt Parkway Multi-use Trail Feasibility Study to be Held on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, in Fairfield

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a Public Workshop concerning the Merritt Parkway Multi-use Trail feasibility study on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at the Osborn Elementary School, All Purpose Room, 760 Stillson Road, Fairfield, Connecticut. The workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Public Workshop Concerning the Merritt Parkway Multi-use Trail Feasibility Study to be Held on Tuesday, April 3, 2012, in New Canaan

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a Public Workshop concerning the Merritt Parkway Multi-use Trail feasibility study on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at the Outback Teen Center, 71 Main Street, New Canaan, Connecticut. The workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Public Workshop Concerning the Merritt Parkway Multi-use Trail Feasibility Study to be Held on Monday, March 26, 2012, in Greenwich

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a Public Workshop concerning the Merritt Parkway Multi-use Trail feasibility study on Monday, March 26, 2012 at the Greenwich Town Hall, Cone Conference Room (2nd Floor), 101 Field Point Road, Greenwich, Connecticut. The workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Public Workshop Concerning the Merritt Parkway Multi-use Trail Feasibility Study to be Held on Thursday, March 22, 2012, in Stamford

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a Public Workshop concerning the Merritt Parkway Multi-use Trail feasibility study on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at the Stamford Government Center, Senior Center Auditorium (2nd Floor), 888 Washington Blvd. Stamford, Connecticut. The workshop will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Connecticut DOT Moves to Online Bidding

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) is now accepting construction contract bids online. Paper bids may still be submitted, but as of September 1, 2012, all bids will be required to be submitted electronically.

Weekend Closure of Commuter Parking Lot Located at Exit 46 at Jefferson Street in Fairfield

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that the Park and Ride parking lot located on Jefferson Street (Route 15 Exit 46) in Fairfield will be closed to commuters on weekends from April through October, 2012. This closure is necessary to accommodate the establishment of a construction management site and also a separate motorcycle safety training program.

Innovative Transit-Oriented Development Proposals Sought for Stamford Transportation Center

Hoping to spur new investment and development at and around the Stamford Transportation Center, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking proposals for expanded parking and transit-oriented development (TOD).

New Haven Line Ridership Sets Record for 2011

Ridership on the New Haven rail commuter between New Haven and New York City set a record in 2011: 38,240,135 riders – up about 2.6 percent from 2010, when there were 37,247,700 riders. The New Haven Line is the busiest rail line in the United States.

MTA Long Island Rail Road & Metro-North Railroad Unveil “Pledge to Customers” Promising to Provide Safe & Reliable Service

MTA Metro-North Railroad President Howard Permut and MTA Long Island Rail Road President Helena E. Williams presented a formal “Pledge to Customers” at the MTA Railroad Committee meeting today promising to provide safe and reliable service and putting it in writing for the first time.

DOT Task Force on Highway Signs to Begin Work

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) has created an internal departmental task force to review standards, regulations, and policies for highway signs along Connecticut roads – those which publicize various businesses or attractions off the highway.

CTTRANSIT Hartford Division Begins Operating Hybrid-Electric 60-foot Articulated Buses

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT), CTTRANSIT and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection today introduced a larger and “greener” bus to operate in greater Hartford. Similar to buses already operating in the New Haven and Stamford metro areas, the 10 new buses have increased passenger seating and use hybrid-electric technology. They are also “articulated,” which means they have an accordion-like middle section that enables them to bend as they turn corners.

Ground Broken for New Westbrook Train Station

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today joined Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker and local Westbrook officials at the groundbreaking for a new Westbrook train station serving Shore Line East customers.