Senator Haskell Announces New Canaan, Weston, Westport To Receive Upgraded Crosswalks With Improved Pedestrian Infrastructure
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) announced that the Department of Transportation confirmed 11 intersections in New Canaan, Weston and Westport will receive upgraded crosswalks with improved pedestrian crossings, with work to be underway in 2023. With this latest announcement, 20 total crosswalks will receive upgrades in the 26th Senate District, part of a larger statewide effort to ensure pedestrians are not put in harm’s way and to ensure modern infrastructure is meeting the needs of today’s travelers.
“During my two terms, I’ve held numerous press conferences at intersections in my district that are dangerous for pedestrians. It feels like just yesterday that I stood with state officials where Wilton Road meets the Post Road, calling for improvements at one of the worst intersections in the state,” Sen. Haskell. “Today, I can confirm that we are taking action. My work as the Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee has prioritized safety for travelers, whether they are in a car or on foot. That’s why I’m ecstatic that 11 more crosswalks – and 20 total in my district – will receive key upgrades to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety.”
The Department of Transportation will perform upgrades including countdown pedestrian indicators, accessible pedestrian pushbuttons and concurrent pedestrian phasing in an effort to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety at intersections including:
- Route 123 (New Norwalk Road) at Route 106 (Silvermine Road) and Route 106 (East Avenue) in New Canaan
- Route 106 (Old Stamford Road) at Jelliff Mill Road in New Canaan
- Route 57 (Weston Road) at Broad Street and Good Hill Road in Weston
- Route 33 (Saugatuck Avenue) at I-95 Southbound Ramps in Westport
- Route 1 (Post Road East) at Playhouse Square Shopping Center Drive in Westport
- Route 1 (Post Road West) at Sylvan Road in Westport
- Route 1 (Post Road West) and Route 1 (Post Road East) at Route 33 (Riverside Avenue and Wilton Road) in Westport
- Route 1 (Post Road East) at North Turkey Hill Road and South Turkey Hill Road in Westport
- SSR 476 (Sherwood Island Connector) at Greens Farms Road in Westport
- Route 1 (Post Road East) at S.R. 476 (Sherwood Island Connector) in Westport
- Route 33 (Wilton Road) at Merritt Parkway Connector and Spring Hill Road in Westport
These projects will have design plans completed expected in February 2023 with tentative advertising for construction in April 2023.
Senator Lesser Releases Statement on Proposed Insurance Rate Hikes
Senator Lesser Releases Statement on Proposed Insurance Rate Hikes
Today, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), Chair of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee, is releasing a statement after insurance companies in Connecticut asked the state Insurance Department to approve rate hikes for health insurance plans that start in 2023.
“The jaw-dropping rate hikes proposed by health insurance companies underscore why I’ve been beating the drumbeat for health care reform, including a public option. The industry is simply not meeting the needs of Connecticut’s families and small businesses. It’s increasingly clear that Connecticut’s health insurance industry needs to be rescued from itself.”
Senator Lesser also said, “These rate requests show that my colleagues, including almost every Republican, who believed the industry that reform wasn’t needed and who fought the Public Option were hoodwinked.
Connecticut’s economy is only as strong as the health of our small businesses. But the small group insurance market – which serves Connecticut’s small businesses – is broken.
I will continue to fight for real reform. I also expect to work closely with Attorney General Tong and the Office of Health Care Advocate to ensure that these proposals receive the scrutiny they deserve before a single rate increase is approved.”
Rate increases requested by insurance companies range as high as 34.6% for small group (small business) customers of ConnectiCare and 23% for small group (small business) customers of CIGNA, Oxford and UnitedHealth.
Senators Looney And Duff Release Statement Following Detection Of Polio In New York City’s Wastewater
Senators Looney And Duff Release Statement Following Detection Of Polio In New York City’s Wastewater
Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement after it was announced that polio has been detected in New York City’s wastewater.
“We are concerned and outraged about the detection of polio in New York City’s wastewater. We strengthened Connecticut’s school vaccine requirements when we saw a surge in measles cases both here and in neighboring states. Now we are seeing the possibility of another resurgence of an eradicated virus because of the actions of a vocal and dangerous minority of anti-vaxxers. Their actions and misinformation are undoing generations of advances in public health. Thankfully, Connecticut is prioritizing the safety of our kids. This year, students will be required to receive vaccinations but we must remain vigilant in protecting everyone’s health and well-being.”
Senators Looney And Duff Release Statement Following Detection Of Polio In New York City’s Wastewater
Senators Looney And Duff Release Statement Following Detection Of Polio In New York City’s Wastewater
Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement after it was announced that polio has been detected in New York City’s wastewater.
“We are concerned and outraged about the detection of polio in New York City’s wastewater. We strengthened Connecticut’s school vaccine requirements when we saw a surge in measles cases both here and in neighboring states. Now we are seeing the possibility of another resurgence of an eradicated virus because of the actions of a vocal and dangerous minority of anti-vaxxers. Their actions and misinformation are undoing generations of advances in public health. Thankfully, Connecticut is prioritizing the safety of our kids. This year, students will be required to receive vaccinations but we must remain vigilant in protecting everyone’s health and well-being.”
Senator Haskell, Rep. Berger-Girvalo Announce Additional Bethel, Ridgefield Traffic Signal Upgrades In 2023
Senator Haskell, Rep. Berger-Girvalo Announce Additional Bethel, Ridgefield Traffic Signal Upgrades In 2023
State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) and State Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo (D-Ridgefield) announced today that in addition to seven intersection upgrades in Bethel, Redding and Ridgefield announced earlier this week, two more intersections – one each in Bethel and Ridgefield – will receive upgrades in 2023. These intersections will see new countdown pedestrian indications, accessible pedestrian pushbuttons and concurrent pedestrian phasing, part of 25 announced improvements in 20 towns across the state.
The work, slated for the second half of 2023, will improve accessibility and pedestrian safety in high-traffic parts of Connecticut. The Department of Transportation has now announced 65 intersection improvements slated for next year.
“Traveling across our district by car and foot reveals how frustrating, and sometimes dangerous, local traffic can be, especially for pedestrians,” said Sen. Haskell. “By improving the resources available for pedestrians at intersections, including upgraded countdowns, pushbuttons and pedestrian phasing, folks will be safer when they’re crossing the road. These investments in traffic mitigation will make sure my constituents can get from point A to point B without issue.”
“Across the state we’ve seen an increase in accidents involving pedestrians and distracted drivers,” said Rep. Berger-Girvalo. “Any measure that addresses these tragedies and reduced the chance of them happening here in Ridgefield is needed and welcomed. I’m so pleased to see the implementation of some of the crossing projects for which our residents have advocated, and I’m looking forward to seeing future improvements with a goal to increase pedestrian safety.”
The intersections in question receiving upgrades include:
- Bethel – Route 53 (Grassy Plain Street) at Francis J. Clarke Circle
- Ridgefield – Route 7 (Ethan Allen Highway) at Topstone Road and Cains Hill Road
The designs for the project are currently expected to be complete in June 2023, with construction advertised in August of that year.
Senator Haskell Announces Bethel, Redding, Ridgefield Receiving Upgraded Traffic Signals In 2023
Senator Haskell Announces $1.05 Million In State Bond Funding For Westport, Ridgefield Projects
State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) today announced that two Bethel intersections, two Redding intersections and three Ridgefield intersections will receive upgraded traffic signals in 2023. These investments will offer significant improvements to local drivers and pedestrians, improving both efficiency and safety. The Department of Transportation will conduct work in 2023. Improvements may include removing nighttime flashing flights, installing 360-degree stop bar detection cameras, adding dilemma zona detection radar units and pedestrian countdown timers at locations with exclusive pedestrian phases. These five intersections are among 40 total receiving upgrades in western Connecticut.
“Serving as a state senator means criss-crossing the district often, usually by car and sometimes on foot. I’ve seen firsthand how traffic builds up at these intersections, and how pedestrians struggle to cross safely,” said Sen. Haskell. “I’ve made traffic mitigation a central part of my work as Senate Chairman of the Transportation Committee and am proud to see this funding for pedestrian countdown timers, detection cameras and other 21st century tools. These investments will help to keep my constituents safe and get them where they need to go.”
“I am very grateful for Senator Haskell’s assistance in moving these traffic control improvements forward,” said Bethel First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker. “These intersections in Bethel have bedeviled drivers for a long time, and we are happy that ConnDOT will be able to address them this year.”
The intersections in question receiving upgrades include:
- Route 6 (Stony Hill Road) at Benedict Road and Vail Road in Bethel
- Route 6 (Stony Hill Road) at Big Y Drive and Redwood Drive in Bethel
- Route 57 (Georgetown Road) at Route 107/57 (Redding Road) in Redding
- Route 107 (Redding Road) at North Main Street in Redding
- Route 7 (Ethan Allen Highway) at Route 102 (Branchville Road) and Depot Road in Ridgefield
- Route 35 (Danbury-Ridgefield Road) at Grove Street and Private Drive in Ridgefield
- Route 7 (Danbury Road) at Regency/Laurel Ridge in Ridgefield
The designs for the project are currently expected to be complete in June 2023, with construction advertised in August of that year.
Sen. Cohen, Rep. Comey Welcome Dot Traffic Safety Study And Recommendations For Route 146 In Branford
Sen. Cohen, Rep. Comey Welcome Dot Traffic Safety Study And Recommendations For Route 146 In Branford
BRANFORD – After getting input from local residents about some of their safety concerns regarding traffic on heavily travelled Route 146, state Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) and state Representative Robin Comey (D-Branford) today expressed optimism with the state Department of Transportation’s newly released road safety audit of a portion of Route 146 and their proposals for several safety-related road improvements.
The full report, with maps, can be found here https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DOT/Community-Connectivity/RSA-Reports/Branford-RSA-Report.pdf
“As pedestrian, cyclist and motor vehicle accidents increase in Connecticut and across the country, ensuring that our streets are safe for everyone is more important than ever. As we continue to connect neighborhoods with local businesses and residents with the open spaces and pastimes that they love, providing secure avenues is essential,” Sen. Cohen said. “Local residents brought their concerns to us and we brought the DOT to them, and now we have a good handle on traffic along Route 146 as well as ways to improve safety there. This has been and will continue to be a collaborative process working toward the best interests of the community.”
“I’m pleased the DOT listened to our safety concerns and conducted a thorough onsite field audit to come up with recommendations that will improve access and overall safety for all travelers in this area,” Rep. Comey said. “This great outcome is the result of the public’s input and our joint efforts to find a solution to this situation. I’m grateful to everyone involved in making this happen and look forward to exploring the next steps in the process.”
At the legislators’ request, the DOT studied traffic along Route 146 in Branford between South Montowese Street and Sybil Avenue in order to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists travelling through the area. This particular stretch of Route 146 serves many purposes, including local residential access, restaurant and commercial business access, marina access, truck access to the sewage treatment plant, and pedestrian and bicyclist movement throughout the beach community. The Shoreline Greenway Trail also runs through the northern end of the study area at Tabor Drive.
The DOT found the average daily traffic in the area ranges from 3,100 vehicles per day at the southern end of the study area (Sybil Avenue, south of Linden Avenue) to as many as 9,400 vehicles per day in the middle of the study area along the commercial core, depending on the season. Traffic volumes are highest during summer months, late mid-week and on Saturdays.
While the speed limits in the study area are 25 miles per hour, the DOT found that 85 percent of vehicular traffic along Route 146 actually travels 33-38 mph, with even higher speeds along the northern portion of the route.
There were 41 crashes along the corridor – including one fatal crash – in the five years from January 2016 to December 2020, with most crashes concentrated in the vicinities of Block Island
Road, Linden Avenue and the commercial area, Toole and Tabor Drives, and Indian Neck Avenue.
DOT meetings with residents before conducting the study revealed several concerns with the Route 146 corridor, including:
- There is a lot of commercial activity by the marina on Block Island Road and south toward the restaurants and business area. This activity poses safety concerns, especially with late night bar traffic, etc.
- The Branford Housing Authority will be renovating its property and realigning sidewalks and driveways to the housing
- South Montowese Street has been a scenic road since the 1990’s, and although members of the scenic road committee recognize that safety is an issue, they feel that a balance is needed. Members believe recommendations should be focused on reducing speeds
- There is a need to make the area more attractive and safer for pedestrians and bicyclists to enjoy
- In the summer, traffic volumes increase due to tourism
- Sightlines at some driveways and intersections can be difficult in summertime due to vegetation growth
- Sightlines turning left onto Linden from Sybil Avenue (Route 146 northbound) is difficult due to poor sightlines around the horizontal curve to the north and the fast speeds of southbound traffic
Based on these concerns and others, DOT suggests improvements that include:
- Consider a 65-foot diameter decorative mini-roundabout at the intersection of Route 146 and Linden Avenue
- Continue to monitor the curve on Route 146 at Limewood Avenue following ongoing construction projects; consider in-lane curve markings
- Improving various pedestrian crossings, including the installation of decorative crosswalks
- Installation of sidewalks, especially in residential areas
- Installation of “pedestrian-scale lighting” near businesses, similar to that in Branford Center
- Re-striping various sections of roadway
- Relocating some utility poles
- Installing 2″x3″ reflective roadside markers at four-foot heights to enhance
- nighttime visibility along some curves
- Trim or remove brush to improve sightlines
- Consider rapid flashing beacons on some crosswalks
Branford town officials are now expected to review the DOT report, decide which projects to prioritize and pursue, then work with Sen. Cohen and Rep. Comey on funding opportunities and the best path forward.
State Bond Commission Approves $1.5 Million For Renovations And Upgrades Of Wilbur Cross Athletic Facilties In New Haven
State Bond Commission Approves $1.5 Million For Renovations And Upgrades Of Wilbur Cross Athletic Facilties In New Haven
The State Bond Commission approved $1.5 million for long-sought renovations and upgrades to the athletic facilities used by Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven at its July meeting Friday, following a joint effort between the City of New Haven and its legislative delegation in the Connecticut General Assembly to secure the funding for the city’s largest high school.
Renovations and upgrades would be at the high school, Rice Field and Blake Field, affecting football, soccer, baseball, softball, track and field and lacrosse. State Representatives Al Paolillo (D-New Haven), Roland Lemar (D-East Haven, New Haven) and State Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) worked with city and school officials for years to help this bond funding come to fruition.
Rep. Paolillo said the approval of bond funds is “transformational.”
“It is not only an investment in the student-athletes at Wilbur Cross but a critical investment in the community,” said Rep. Paolillo. “This funding is the positive result of many years of hard work, planning and public meetings to develop the scope of the project and it was a team effort with Sen. Looney, Rep. Lemar, Alder Anna Festa, school families and administrators and the Giovanni Zinn, City Engineer for New Haven. We deeply appreciate Gov. Ned Lamont and the State Bond Commission approving these funds.”
Rep. Lemar added, “This was an incredible joint effort between the City of New Haven and the state. Undoubtedly, the funding secured for renovations to Rice Field is an investment our student-athletes will appreciate and enjoy for years to come. Special thanks to Alder Festa, the Wilbur Cross students and administrators who fought for and deserved this investment, and my colleagues Sen. Looney and Rep. Paolillo, as we worked side-by-side to get this project funded.”
“This important investment will benefit not only the student-athletes at Wilbur Cross but the New Haven community as a whole,” said Sen. Looney. “Improving Rice Field and Blake Field would not have been possible without the critical input, support, and advocacy of the students, parents, staff at Wilbur Cross, and the City of New Haven. I also want to thank Rep. Paolillo and Rep. Lemar for working together to secure this funding and Gov. Lamont for approving this bonding request. I look forward to cheering on our baseball, soccer, football and lacrosse athletes at a new and improved Rice Field soon!”
Sen. Hartley Welcomes $8 Million to Support Route 8/I-84 Mixmaster Project
Sen. Hartley Welcomes $8 Million to Support Route 8/I-84 Mixmaster Project
In a major boost for upgrading regional transportation and infrastructure, State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury, Naugatuck, and Middlebury) welcomed the approval by Governor Lamont and the members of the State Bond Commission of $8 million to support continued improvements of the I-84 and Route 8 Interchange, also known as the Route 8/I-84 Mixmaster Rehabilitation project, in Waterbury.
“My thanks to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission membership for their shared commitment to fixing and building up Connecticut’s infrastructure, especially here in the greater Waterbury area,” said Sen. Hartley. “I’m thankful for their partnership as we continue to move forward on the mixmaster rehabilitation project. The completion of this extensive project will make our region more attractive to economic investment and support the daily travel of residents locally and across Connecticut.”
“Keeping our infrastructure in a good state of repair is critical if we want to grow jobs, attract businesses, and improve our overall quality of life, and this investment on the highways in Waterbury is an important component of doing that,” said Governor Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission.
The substantial infrastructure project is dedicated to preserving and providing a 25-year service life to the bridges located within the Route 8 and I-84 Interchange. The interchange is vital to ability of residents in the greater Waterbury region and across Connecticut to commute for work, school, and other every day travel needs. Further, the rehabilitation of the interchange offers long-term benefits supporting the economic development of Waterbury, local higher education institutions, and greater road safety for drivers.
Deck repairs and replacements, steel repairs and strengthening, substructure repairs, and paving are among the numerous upgrades that make up the Route 8/I-84 Mixmaster Rehabilitation Project. More information about the project can be found here.
Sen. Hartley Secures $2.1 Million to Support Scale-Up of Global Company Located in Waterbury Area
Sen. Hartley Secures $2.1 Million to Support Scale-Up of Global Company Located in Waterbury Area
Today, state Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury, Naugatuck, and Middlebury) announced that $2.1 million in state funding had been approved by Governor Lamont and the members of the State Bond Commission to expand electric and water capacity at Captain Neville Industrial Park. The upgrades to the industrial park will benefit the 400 Captain Neville Dr. Building which serves as the location of Drew Marine’s innovation center – housing its production and research and development facilities. Drew Marine, is a leading company in the chemical manufacturing and maritime industries with employees in Connecticut and around the world.
Sen. Hartley, co-chair of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Manufacturing Caucus, and the Waterbury legislative delegation worked to secure the $2.1 million in state bonding to strengthen Waterbury’s position as a hub for companies specializing in chemical research & development, and to grow R&D manufacturing jobs. According to 2020 report on Connecticut manufacturing, 18 percent of the state’s manufacturing jobs are in the chemical industry, which places it as the second-largest manufacturing sector in the state.
As Senate Chair of the Commerce Committee, she and fellow members of the Waterbury legislative delegation raised a bill to support companies in the chemical manufacturing and maritime industries like Drew Marine. Since then, leading up to today, Sen. Hartley has worked in close partnership with Governor Lamont, Commissioner Lehman of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, and stakeholders to secure this $2.1 million for upgrades to the Captain Neville Industrial Park and supporting the growth of Drew Marine./
“I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the members of the State Bond Commission for their approval of this funding to increase the capabilities of the Captain Neville Industrial Park. The governor and Commissioner Lehman have been excellent partners on this endeavor to support economic development in the Waterbury region,” said Sen. Hartley. “These upgrades will empower a global company that has its headquarters and production facilities in Connecticut to grow. In the process, it will boost our manufacturing sector and support well-paying jobs here in Connecticut.”
Democratic State Representatives Larry Butler, Michael DiGiovancarlo, Ron Napoli and Geraldo Reyes, who all represent Waterbury, said in a joint statement: “The Waterbury legislative delegation applauds the approval of these state bond funds that support economic development in our region. We’re grateful to Governor Lamont and members of the State Bond Commission, in addition to Commissioner Lehman of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, and stakeholders who have provided a lift to the manufacturing sector and aided in creating and maintaining well-paying jobs.”
“Making these infrastructure improvements to Captain Neville Industrial Park will help in our ongoing efforts to support business and job growth in Waterbury, and I am glad that the state can partner with the city to get this done,” said Governor Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission.
In testimony before the Commerce Committee, Drew Marine noted the advantages to it residing in Connecticut including the state’s geographic location and access to the I-95 corridor afford easy access to ports from Boston down to Miami. An important factor for the company so it can export its products manufactured in Connecticut to around the world.