CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: July 13, 2016

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

CTDOT Seeks Sponsor for CHAMP Highway Service Patrol Sponsor

      The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced that it is seeking private sponsorship for the Connecticut Highway Assistance Motorist Patrol (CHAMP) roadway service patrol program.  As part of the sponsorship selection process, a request for proposals (RFP) is being issued through the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services contracting portal.  CTDOT expects to select a vendor to sponsor the 15-vehicle fleet operating on limited access highways in Connecticut by the fall of this year.

      The core mission of the CHAMP program is to improve highway safety and reduce congestion by expediting the clearance of breakdowns and accidents, and removal of debris on the roadway.

      Currently, the CHAMP program operates using a combination of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and State of Connecticut funds.  Sponsorship fees will be used solely to offset the State funding costs used for operation of the CHAMP program.

      Each weekday, CHAMP vehicles patrol highways across Connecticut including I-84, I-91, I-95, I-291, I-395, Route 2, Route 3, Route 7, Route 8 and Route 15 (Merritt/Wilbur Cross Parkways).  In 2015, CHAMP drivers assisted more than 16,000 motorists.

      Prospective sponsors may register online to receive a daily email alert when new RFP’s are issued at the CTDAS Business Network https://www.biznet.ct.gov/AccountMaint/Login.aspx?l=n