Connecticut bond commission approves $24.9 million in first round of “Let’s Go CT” infrastructure projects

Updated Jul 31, 2015

Connecticut welcome signThe Connecticut State Bond Commission has approved $24.9 million in the first round of infrastructure projects under the “Let’s Go CT” program approved earlier this year. The plan will provide $2.5 billion for projects over the next five years.

In announcing the approval, Governor Dannel Malloy said this is the first step in revitalizing the state’s “aging” transportation system.

“This first round of funding is one piece in a long-term vision to transform our infrastructure — a vision for transportation on a scale Connecticut has never seen,” he said. “

Over time, we all will begin to see the transformation and improvement of our infrastructure — including roads, bridges, and public transit—and that begins here with these allocations today. If we want to improve our state’s economy, if we want to grow jobs and support business, then we must make these crucial investments in our infrastructure. Connecticut’s future depends on it, and that’s why we’re leading on this important issue.”

For roadways, the first round of projects provides a total of $12 million in work, including:

  • $10 million — design and engineering for the widening in both directions of Interstate 84 in Danbury between exits 3 and 8
  • $1 million — design and engineering work to improve the interchange around the area of I-91, I-691 and Route 15 in Meridian and Middletown
  • $1 million — design and engineering to replace the Mixmaster on the I-84 and Route 8 interchange in Waterbury
  • For public transit, project work totals $12.9 million, including:
  • $500,000 — study on expanding bus service to parts of the state not currently serviced by public transit
  • $500,000 — first steps necessary for expanding CTfastrak east of Hartford into Manchester
  • $400,000 — review how the state can implement a bus rapid transit corridor for Route 1 between Norwalk and Stamford
  • $4 million — design, engineering, and construction of a new dock yard on the Danbury Branch Rail Line in Norwalk
  • $7 million — install real-time location devices on all public transit buses statewide, which will use GPS and give riders the ability to locate any public transit bus in the state via an app on mobile devices
  • $500,000 — study of centralized paratransit service coordination statewide

“Improving transportation is fundamental to strong economic and market growth,” Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said.  “It’s clear that Connecticut’s economy is headed in the right direction—we’ve added more than 80,000 private sector jobs and made important progress in improving the business climate. Addressing highway gridlock, rail and bus capacity, and other barriers to commerce is a smart, strategic next step to continued growth and development.”