Press Releases
03/01/2022
CTDOT Holding a Virtual Information Meeting on the Installation of Centerline Rumble Strips on Route 153 in Essex
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will conduct a Virtual Public Information Meeting regarding the installation of centerline rumble strips on sections of Route 153 (Westbrook Road/Plains Road) in Essex on Wednesday, March 23 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be live streamed via Microsoft Teams Live Event and YouTube Live. A Question and Answer (Q&A) session will immediately follow the presentation, which will be recorded.
Instructions on how to access the meeting and on how to provide comments or ask questions can be found at the project webpage: State Project No. 0172-0512.
The purpose of the project is to install centerline rumble strips (CLRS). CLRS are a cost-effective, proven safety countermeasure that reduce the risks of head-on and sideswipe opposite direction crashes. CLRS are a longitudinal safety feature installed at the centerline of a paved roadway. It is comprised of a series of milled grooves embedded in the centerline of the roadway, which are painted over with yellow centerline markings. These grooves produce sound and vibration intended to alert distracted, drowsy, or inattentive drivers that they have unintentionally crossed the centerline.
For those drivers who unintentionally cross the centerline, the audible and vibratory warning provided by the CLRS greatly improves the chances of a quick and safe return to their lane. Where drivers do not safely recover, the warning created by the rumble strips often improves driver reaction, reducing crash severity. CLRS also serve as an effective means of locating the travel lane during inclement weather. Pavement markings are often obscured during fog, snow, or rain. The vibration provided by CLRS can assist drivers from unintentionally crossing the centerline during these conditions.
Construction is anticipated to begin in Summer 2022. The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $18,000. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 100 percent State funds. There are no anticipated right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed project.
The Virtual Public Information Meeting is being held to provide the public and local community the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the proposed project. Persons with limited internet access may request that project information be mailed to them by contacting Ms. Natasha Fatu by email at TrafficSafety.DOT@ct.gov or by phone at (860) 594-2731. Please allow one week for processing and delivery.
Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (888) 566-5916 and entering the Participant Code when prompted: 9977843. Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). The MS Teams Live Event offers closed captioning for the hearing impaired and non-English translation options. A recording of the formal presentation will be posted to YouTube following the event and closed captioning (including non-English translation options) will be available at that time. The recording will also be available in the list of DOT virtual public meetings here: CTDOT-VPIM-Library.
Visit the project webpage for options for Apple users. During the Q&A session and the 14-day comment period that follows the meeting, individuals may leave a question or comment via email (preferred) at DOTProject172-512Essex@ct.gov. Individuals may also leave a voicemail question or comment by calling (860) 944-1111. Please reference the project in your voicemail.
Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department’s Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least 5 business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
860-594-3062 · CTDOTMedia@ct.gov
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