[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6321889,"mediaKeyId","2348642-973f43bc3e0be9191abf2eca2ba49a07","parentId",2348642,"title","Connecticut DOT cites surge in pedestrian, motorcyclist fatalities and expands road safety tools","audioSeconds",6418,"startMs",799000,"endMs",7217000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2348642-973f43bc3e0be9191abf2eca2ba49a07&start=799&end=7217","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2348642-973f43bc3e0be9191abf2eca2ba49a07/thumbnail_799000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6321889/Connecticut/Connecticut-DOT-cites-surge-in-pedestrian-motorcyclist-fatalities-and-expands-road-safety-tools","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6321889-7353c0620d35df5c112127b08b83b1be/orig.mp4?Expires=1770810696&Signature=afpGL~d9X5x52IkfGeiqxMCzJAqJr6HV2GDvwFtRyJ51tru1C~JoRlSl7ma~RVzA76ltkX5pDLo9jnV7bGAYYhlyMzjVKqgtdqfHMFOCacFucyrVd99KLG3c6~zydZanD50xwNjhVe6~kVdC2RKqvNNCb547HUzvXgN6dk2qGg5iFYrjFrdYmq7tPaK2GROAZP7yJg3veKdGeDnZaMICSK9qWCXnl~fh~m-bWY0Q6cB1wznAG5d2KCoQtjuP2fuS3zuTqxiLQJz4ZVC~n23bECCxBOlTQqStVUAN9i5G1nuHIkY6jCIy9D5Y35zr9MwEDFIbPuqoZOUOZj5Qw0dpdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","CGA - Transportation Committee","date","2025-02-19T00:00:00Z","article","Commissioner Ukalito, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, told the legislature on Feb. 3 that the state is seeing an alarming rise in roadway fatalities and is deploying a suite of safety measures to reduce deaths and serious injuries.

“We are trying to bend the curve to go to 0,” Commissioner Ukalito said during the committee’s oversight hearing, describing 2024 as “higher than average” after the department logged 328 fatalities last year and 27 by Feb. 3 of 2025.

The department singled out pedestrian and motorcyclist fatalities as especially concerning. Ukalito said motorcycle deaths in 2024 were “astronomical” compared with historic norms, and pedestrian fatalities rose as well. He told committee members that many pedestrian strikes occur in poorly lit conditions or at twilight, and that larger modern vehicles can produce more lethal outcomes when pedestrians are struck.

To address those trends, DOT described multiple concurrent initiatives:

- Wrong‑way detection: 37 locations are active; the system has recorded more than 230 activations and the agency says most drivers self‑correct when alerted. The department plans “200 plus” additional installations with funding secured from the legislature and bond commission.

- Work‑zone speed cameras: A pilot program produced about 25,000 warnings and roughly 750 fines and showed up to an 18% reduction in speeds at pilot sites. The legislature approved a permanent program; DOT plans a summer startup with a lower enforcement threshold (10 mph over the limit) and advance notice to towns.

- Traffic incident management and equipment: DOT has trained more than 5,900 first responders in incident management, is rolling out electronic “Pylites” (long‑lasting electronic flares), high‑visibility and illuminated gear, and truck‑mounted attenuators with radar displays that tell drivers their speed (DOT emphasized the displays are informational, not for ticketing).

- Law enforcement support: DOT is funding DRE (drug recognition expert) training and an ARIDE (Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement) program, plus breath testing and related equipment. The agency said about 70 DREs are available statewide with a centralized DRE call‑out protocol.

- Phlebotomy training for officers: As directed by the legislature, DOT and partners are supporting training so appropriately trained law‑enforcement officers can perform blood draws when timely evidence collection is required and hospital access is not available; the commissioner said federal funds are being used for DRE and phlebotomy training.

Committee members pressed DOT on whether drug impairment is driving the recent fatality increases. Ukalito said pedestrian fatalities are not primarily DUI related and pointed instead to evening hours, poor lighting, distraction and the growing size of passenger vehicles; he added that late‑night crashes can include impairment.

Several legislators asked about crash‑truck strikes; Ukalito said DOT vehicles used to protect work crews are struck “every few days,” underscoring danger to roadside workers and the rationale for more robust countermeasures.

The committee also discussed automated municipal enforcement. DOT said one municipality (Washington) has an approved automated traffic enforcement plan; three applications have been submitted to DOT and many towns have either discussed the option locally or are preparing applications. Ukalito emphasized the state law’s safeguards — including limits on use and procedures for program review — and said towns must demonstrate safety needs rather than use cameras as revenue generators.

Why it matters: Connecticut’s highway fatalities spiked in 2024 and the DOT presented both short‑term countermeasures (cameras, detection, equipment and training) and longer‑term engineering and outreach steps to reduce exposures for pedestrians, workers and motorists.

Outlook: DOT told lawmakers it plans to activate the permanent work‑zone camera program this summer, continue installation of wrong‑way detection, and expand training and equipment distribution to law enforcement and first responders. Several legislators said they will pursue bills and hearings during the public‑hearing cycle to complement DOT’s work.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Transportation Committee Oversight Hearing with the Department of Transportation 2025-02-19","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioner Ukalito, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, told the legislature on Feb. 3 that the state is seeing an alarming rise in roadway fatalities and is deploying a suite of safety measures to reduce deaths and serious injuries.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature CT, Connecticut","taxId",77677,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6321875,"DOT details municipal grant programs, Town Road fund and bus modernization pilots",722,1815000,2537000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2348642-973f43bc3e0be9191abf2eca2ba49a07&start=1815&end=2537","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2348642-973f43bc3e0be9191abf2eca2ba49a07/thumbnail_1815000.jpg","/articles/6321875/Connecticut/DOT-details-municipal-grant-programs-Town-Road-fund-and-bus-modernization-pilots","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6321875-cd8ff76cbacd5880e37d6d82585f1a3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770810696&Signature=PMzqrmX3PjOiqGfnxXoFGN0t2U1Yg7bq-ay7wACasIdBph0GBHeM86G8Z6IflIYmh6F1hfT7cKwvsFKZQCTwVNmLllv70aruJm2qgAbvPWABctr6VVI2Ddyqb3bJkl3TpjGaUtH56i6-sCZnMxMyLAboChWGhiRz9n0~2PnAUr9IyogKzhLHIDYoELYbIOb61Te~4K64cwhrqyKhtrBF8XpDqNZByFvNHZKKvuaJLv-yuRaY78-gQCc-xPP2tz5iatNBKl0Xju~3UOXIGFtRXfp0iyq5-oyhnCtmBlQSx5-QGQxClngUhxnQ0wwcz57C4fzALteJ0R-dy1J-Jc0f9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Connecticut Department of Transportation officials used their Feb. 3 oversight presentation to summarize programs that channel state and federal funds to municipalities and transit districts, and to outline bus modernization pilots intended to improve rider experience.

Commissioner Ukalito reminded lawmakers that the Town Road program currently distributes $60 million per year in state funding to local governments (split into semiannual payments) and is formula based, and that the Community Connectivity Grant program has awarded about $62 million to date with a new application round due May 21, 2025.

DOT explained program roles and recent rounds:

- Town Road Program: Approximately $60 million annually in state funds distributed by formula and paid twice yearly; funds can be used for eligible municipal projects.

- Community Connectivity Grant Program: Focus on pedestrian, bicycle and transit connectivity; DOT said 62 million has been awarded to date and the next application deadline is May 21, 2025.

- LOTSIP / TRIP / LASIP: DOT described LOTSIP as the local projects map and programming tool; TRIP was created to support urbanized areas and to address gaps for smaller communities; LASIP and the councils of governments (COGs) are used to rank and prioritize projects for federal and state funding.

- Bridge grant support for local bridges (state and federal local‑bridge programs): DOT emphasized a popular state local‑bridge program and federal local bridge formula funding established by the federal infrastructure law.

- Bus programs and technology pilots: DOT said it is investing more than $20 million in bus stop improvements and shelters statewide; the agency is piloting “tap and go” open‑loop payment in CT Transit Meriden and River Valley systems, running microtransit pilots in multiple regions, and deploying Wi‑Fi and device charging on local buses where equipment life cycles allow. DOT said express coach buses generally lack charging ports today but local buses increasingly include Wi‑Fi and charging.

DOT also said many municipal project proposals are evaluated through COGs, and the department has an intergovernmental unit to serve as a single point of contact for municipalities and legislators seeking assistance or grant information.

Why it matters: These programs provide the principal state funding streams for local road repairs, pedestrian and bicycle safety projects, municipal bridge repairs and bus service improvements. Timely application windows and state assistance matter for municipal capital planning and local project delivery.

Outlook: DOT said awards from closed application windows will be announced in summer 2025; the agency promised to provide maps and project lists to committee members showing where bus‑stop investments and connectivity grants will be deployed.","During the Feb. 3 oversight hearing DOT described municipal programs (Town Road program, Community Connectivity grants, LOTSIP/TRIP), Bridge grants and bus initiatives (bus‑stop enhancements, microtransit pilots, tap‑to‑pay pilots) and said application windows and awards are ongoing.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6321880,"DOT reports ridership gains, new railcars and station projects; Shoreline East constrained by Amtrak and movable‑bridge limits",1780,2013000,3793000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2348642-973f43bc3e0be9191abf2eca2ba49a07&start=2013&end=3793","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2348642-973f43bc3e0be9191abf2eca2ba49a07/thumbnail_2013000.jpg","/articles/6321880/Connecticut/DOT-reports-ridership-gains-new-railcars-and-station-projects-Shoreline-East-constrained-by-Amtrak-and-movablebridge-limits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6321880-793fc965b75c7dc9796b2ce4622c928e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770810696&Signature=Z~Dl962Qig~Ar~nFJAo9mqIpY9rzvdjaA6LZHXJSVLzcXAIvwRSIqPdFlXihNSGrCFjfFKrYWIAYSykNLKAJ2D0RNrOMzxHP~qgJShszSH6Y00R46HhOctGkZX4VzCtdZbG34H2BEvda5MHA31jAseAWpH4-s7qBgJSXF6-xUyxP2q9HfW8dOT~RZzoKL9qPAKKP3TBqYwtrOAfpnLHZ-4OsfAGd0EcqV4ALV8O9H2qUfYhitl9F6a4UxfP7T7pXTNou6mAhne47luuaZh6~1w35-TLfI5Uj2HbnvCVQ-H~vKzMz42d5x5L2BMuKqrpsbUEu9cyUuMH8cUkgR6Wr7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Feb. 3 oversight hearing the Connecticut Department of Transportation told lawmakers that rail ridership is recovering and in some corridors exceeding 2019 levels, and outlined several rolling stock and station investments.

“Waterbury branch and the Hartford line continue to surpass those pre pandemic ridership numbers,” Ben Limmer, bureau chief of public transportation, said, and DOT added that new service and rolling‑stock investments should increase 2025 ridership further.

Highlights the agency reported to lawmakers:

- Rolling stock and motive power: All M8 railcars procured for Metro‑North are delivered and in service; DOT ordered additional cars for the Hartford line and dual‑power locomotives that can operate on diesel and catenary power.

- Station projects: Windsor Locks station is under construction and expected to open in 2025; Enfield station is in design; Waterbury branch stations are being upgraded for ADA accessibility and a new Naugatuck station is planned in coordination with nearby housing development.

- Core rail programs: The Walk Bridge program is underway; DOT described interim repairs for movable bridges (Devon Bridge) and a sequencing plan for replacing movable bridges on the Northeast Corridor.

- Double tracking on the Hartford line: DOT said it has funding and expects to advance the next phase (phase 3b) toward construction this year, subject to federal contract processing and Amtrak coordination.

- Shoreline East constraints: DOT explained Shoreline East service east of New London faces two limits — Amtrak prioritization of Acela and Northeast Regional trains for slotting on the two‑track corridor and a movable‑rail bridge (Connecticut River bridge) that imposes operational constraints and requires Coast Guard and other permits to reduce openings. DOT said Amtrak owns some Shoreline East infrastructure (e.g., New London track) and that Amtrak’s capital projects affect available slots; bids to operate service and maintain equipment have been received and are under review with a vendor selection goal in spring/early summer 2025.

Why it matters: The combination of new railcars, funded double‑tracking and station investments can increase frequency and reliability on the Hartford line and branches, improving transit options in place of highway travel. Shoreline East’s eastward expansion remains contingent on Amtrak coordination and permit outcomes.

Outlook: DOT expects some construction phases (e.g., Hartford line double‑tracking phase 3b) to move into construction in 2025 if federal processing proceeds and Amtrak can provide needed support for safe work on the corridor.","DOT officials told lawmakers the Hartford Line and some branch services have recovered or exceeded pre‑pandemic ridership, new M8 cars are in service and station projects (Windsor Locks, Enfield) and double‑tracking are advancing; DOT said Shoreline East expansion is limited by Amtrak slotting and a movable‑bridge constraint east of New London.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6321885,"CT DOT outlines $16.27 billion, five‑year capital program and lists megaproject priorities",1465,1502000,2967000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2348642-973f43bc3e0be9191abf2eca2ba49a07&start=1502&end=2967","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2348642-973f43bc3e0be9191abf2eca2ba49a07/thumbnail_1502000.jpg","/articles/6321885/Connecticut/CT-DOT-outlines-1627-billion-fiveyear-capital-program-and-lists-megaproject-priorities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6321885-ead8eb5e5abcc65a4c9d6f43ba8332a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770810696&Signature=LHy1CO-SlnFKfF44qjh82d4~TzRtXWbb0PbRGPD4la5u6GAf9YNWXFLDA6y4j7sIw4N0r5helBvDHHXFQkVofk8OxcqHaeZNz0CqcifRubRQ1N2D5hbA1KUZQtTlPR2CeLC1GDf0NoF0X7W3cvx1qTQ9uORdTGcPvCfH6sSsr4wBJjJ4GuvDDjPwUZeHyM~IUjuG2Sn6p3pSLl7gFkL54wkHPBAVyS5VjOc3ddZeqXnd0FjIOLG~U7QufhYJIxcOD-Wj1WZyvtEx~4qg3NmFxG7PoJF8aPetycZg1UJogOaKk6017Lmcya6-JOvVZTRlC~AYxuT0uomly0TbZk5~6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioner Ukalito told the Transportation Committee that Connecticut’s five‑year capital program, released in January, totals roughly $16.27 billion and reflects heightened federal and state funding and an active construction pipeline.

“Our capital program that we just released last month is valued at $16,270,000,000 for the next 5 years,” Commissioner Ukalito said, noting the agency is spending at its highest level in state history.

DOT described its near‑term priorities as safety, state of good repair (aging bridges and roadways), congestion mitigation, multimodal travel improvements and a set of multidecade “megaprojects.” Examples cited:

- Walk Bridge program (New Haven): described as the state’s largest rail capital program — “well over a billion dollars” — replacing a movable bridge dating from the 1800s and addressing Northeast Corridor vulnerability.

- Gold Star Memorial Bridge (Southeast Connecticut): planning work to strengthen and replace decks and steel to enable heavier permitted loads and extend service life; the commissioner said the effort is nearly a billion‑dollar project.

- I‑84 Hartford corridor: DOT is proposing lowering I‑84 through Hartford, capping portions of the roadway and better aligning the highway with the rail corridor to create development opportunities and local connections; environmental and design work is in early stages.

- Mixmaster (Waterbury): DOT completed a temporary 20‑year fix and plans to propose permanent redesign options later in 2025 with targeted outreach to local officials.

Ukalito described a lengthy federal permitting and design path for major projects and urged patience: “It is a very long process. The federal government has a very detailed and delineated, lengthy process to how to get a project from conception to reality.”

Staffing and delivery: DOT said it is approaching historic staffing levels after a recent hiring push; the commissioner said the agency currently has about 3,300 employees against an authorized headcount around 3,567, with roughly 230 vacancies remaining after hiring more than 1,032 staff since mid‑2022. He told lawmakers that a one‑third turnover of DOT employees has required onboarding while maintaining workload.

Funding breakdown: DOT presented funding sources including formula federal funds, state bond authorizations, and discretionary federal grants. Ukalito highlighted a prior state law (Public Act 15‑1) that increased design funding and said the legislature and governor provided matching funds that allowed the state to secure more than $1 billion in federal rail grants.

Permitting and federal processing delays: Both the commissioner and committee members discussed federal administrative slowdowns tied to a change in federal leadership; DOT said some discretionary grant contract signings and approvals were delayed while federal staff and political appointees were being installed, and warned that short timing windows in northern construction seasons can be affected by a weeks‑long federal processing pause.

Why it matters: Connecticut’s built environment is largely “brownfield” infrastructure that needs repair rather than greenfield construction. The capital program and the megaproject pipeline will shape transportation, land use, and economic opportunities across the state for decades.

Outlook: DOT said it will continue to program projects, pursue federal discretionary grants (with state match), and advance megaprojects through planning and environmental review; committee members pressed DOT for updates on schedules and staffing needs to sustain delivery.","In a Feb. 3 oversight hearing, Commissioner Ukalito presented the DOT’s five‑year capital plan (about $16.27 billion), described staffing and permitting constraints, and reviewed major megaprojects including the Walk Bridge program, Gold Star Memorial Bridge work, the I‑84 Hartford corridor proposals and the Mixmaster in Waterbury.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Connecticut DOT cites surge in pedestrian, motorcyclist fatalities and expands road safety tools

DOT details municipal grant programs, Town Road fund and bus modernization pilots

DOT reports ridership gains, new railcars and station projects; Shoreline East constrained by Amtrak and movable‑bridge limits

CT DOT outlines $16.27 billion, five‑year capital program and lists megaproject priorities