The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has created a policy for the placement of Roadside Memorial Markers along Connecticut State routes where safely allowable. CTDOT understands the sensitive nature of this policy and offers it as a way to increase awareness and honor those who have perished as a result of a roadway incident. This policy does not govern Town or City or local municipality owned roads.
This policy will govern the application process, consistent design, and overall placement of Roadside Memorial Markers within the State highway right of way. Only individuals who perished due to injuries sustained in a fatal incident on a State highway are eligible for a Roadside Memorial Marker.
Memorial markers must be requested within two years of the completion date listed on the associated police report. Applications must be completed on the "Request for Installation of a Roadside Memorial Marker" form by the deceased's family member. Along with the application, a police report (proof of incident) must be submitted to the applicable District Maintenance Director.
Any memorials not in accordance with this policy will be removed. The family may retrieve these items at the nearest CTDOT Maintenance facility for 30 days before being discarded. Memorial markers will not be approved for placement in front of a residence.
Approved markers may only be submitted one time and does not obligate CTDOT for future approvals.
The marker will remain in place indefinitely or until CTDOT deems for any reason that it needs to be removed. No other signs, structures, or additional items (i.e., candles, flowers, religious items, holiday lights, stuffed animals, etc.) will be allowed in the right of way and such items will be removed as found. Removed items will be stored at the Highway Maintenance garage responsible for that area for thirty (30) days and then will be properly disposed of. Retrieval of removed items can be coordinated with the Highway Maintenance garage.
The marker will be constructed on an aluminum panel with a white background with blue lettering. The message will state, "Please Drive Safely - in memory of the deceased, and the date of incident or passing." The post for the installation will be a standard 5-foot metal delineator post.
The placement of the roadside memorial marker will be reviewed by a District Traffic Engineer to ensure that its placement meets department and federal guidelines and does not pose a safety risk.
CTDOT will make every effort to place the sign as close to the vicinity of the incident as allowable; however, in ce1tain cases, the sign may be placed close to, but not at the exact location of the accident site. If the desired location is denied, then written notification will begiven to the applicant. All denials are final and at the discretion of the CTDOT.
CTDOT is not responsible for the condition or replacement of the marker.
Due to safety concerns, CTDOT cannot grant permission for onsite dedications or ceremonies.
Memorial markers which become a safety concern due to vandalism, repeated decorations, damage, or complaints may have the marker removed at the discretion of CTDOT.
Roadside Memorial Marker Application
Completed forms should be emailed to DOT.CustomerCare@ct.gov with the subject line Request for a Roadside Memorial Marker