Connecticut Department of Transportation

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NEWS RELEASE
2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546
NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546
FOR RELEASE: June 5, 2014
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062
FAX: (860) 594-3065
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot
Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You! – “Operation Big Orange” In Effect!
The Connecticut Department of Transportation in partnership with the Connecticut State Police is focusing its “Operation Big Orange” work zone enforcement activity along the I-95 corridor in Milford and Stratford in the vicinity of the Moses Wheeler Bridge beginning Monday, June 9, 2014.
The concentrated enforcement activity will occur in and around the active work zones of the Moses Wheeler Bridge replacement construction project (I-95 over the Housatonic River in both Milford and Stratford).
The Department of Transportation has been monitoring traffic speeds in the work zone and has found that virtually ALL DRIVERS are going above the posted speed limit of 45 mph and on average are traveling 10-15 mph over the established limit.
The speed limit in the area between Exit 35 and Exit 32 has been reduced to 45 mph since 2011 under the authority of the Commissioner of Transportation. A large portion of the I-95 corridor from New York line to Massachusetts has a posted speed of 55 mph with lower speeds of 40 to 50 mph in the area from Stratford to Branford due to various conditions including major construction zones in the area.
“It is imperative that motor vehicle operators obey posted speed limits in work zones.  To do otherwise puts construction workers and law enforcement – as well as all drivers and passengers – at great risk.  Your State Troopers ask you to obey all traffic laws to ensure that everyone in a construction work zone is safe,” added Lt. Paul Vance of the Connecticut State Police.
“Operation Big Orange” is a highway enforcement program that uses primarily State Police to make traffic stops in and around active work zones to help protect roadway workers and to deter irresponsible motorist behavior.  With the amount of road maintenance and long term construction activity taking place statewide,  it is imperative that drivers slow down and Obey the Orange.
Fines are doubled in work zones. Speeding is not  worth the cost of the ticket, or the loss of a life!