Connecticut DOT unveils $9.7 billion transportation investment plan

From Transport Topics.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation released its $9.7 billion capital plan, which includes investments across various modes of transportation over the next five years.

The plan, which covers fiscal years 2021-25, includes investments for repairs and upgrades across multiple modes, such as highways, bridges, public transit and bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

CTDOT anticipates using $2.1 billion in plan funding in fiscal 2021, which began Oct. 1. Of this, some $800 million will be directed to bus and rail needs, while $1.3 billion will support highway and bridge infrastructure. According to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association’s 2020 bridge report, 6.3% of Connecticut’s bridges are classified as structurally deficient.

“Ongoing maintenance and upkeep of our existing infrastructure, combined with strategic, thoughtful investment in projects that reduce congestion, improve mobility and efficiency, and minimize our environmental impacts are critical to keep Connecticut moving forward and competitive in the future,” CTDOT Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said.

Over the five-year plan, $5.9 billion will support highway and bridge projects, $3.5 billion will go toward public transportation and $245 million will be directed to other facilities.

Highway and bridge projects outlined for fiscal 2021 include replacing a bridge that traverses a rail line in Stratford and replacing a viaduct on Interstate 84 in Hartford. Running across the state from the southwest to the northeast, I-84 bisects Waterbury and Hartford. According to the Capitol Region Council of Governments, about 141,700 vehicles travel on I-84 in downtown Hartford every day.

See the complete article from Transport Topics online.