DOT Seeks Input on Draft 2009 Long-Range Transportation Plan

The  Connecticut   Department of  Transportation  has  announced   the   availability  of  the  Draft  Long-Range Transportation Plan for the State of Connecticut (2009 LRP) for public review and comment.  The LRP is a federally mandated policy document that outlines strategies and actions for addressing transportation issues and needs in Connecticut. This plan, which covers the period of 2009 through 2035, is generally updated every three to five years.  It is periodically updated because, over time, changes occur in transportation needs, travel behavior, methods to manage traffic, and the ability to pay for transportation system maintenance and improvements. It is an important step toward reassessing Connecticut’s policies for addressing our State’s future mobility. The Department of Transportation (Department) anticipates publishing a final plan in the spring of 2009.

"This plan will serve as a framework for preparing future, more project-specific transportation plans, such as the Department's Master Transportation Plan and State Transportation Improvement Program," said Commissioner Marie, "so I encourage people to read it and provide their input."

"In developing this plan, the Department considered the recommendations of Connecticut's Transportation Strategy Board, the state’s Conservation and Development Policies Plan for Connecticut 2005-2010, various other transportation-related plans and studies, federal and state laws and funding scenarios.  We also attempted to respond to public input received during the public comment period and the Listening Sessions that were held in the fall of 2007 to solicit input prior to the development of the Draft LRP," said Commissioner Marie.

The Draft 2009 LRP will be available for public review beginning March 17, 2009.  It is available on the Connecticut Department of Transportation's web site, https://www.ct.gov/dot under “Publications," or directly via https://www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?a=3531&q=259760.  Hard copies of the draft plan will be available for review at the Department’s Headquarters in Newington and at the offices of Connecticut’s 15 Regional Planning Organizations.  To schedule an appointment to review the document at the Department of Transportation, call (860) 594-2047. 

The Department will be holding four public information meetings, one in the afternoon and three in the evening, to provide an overview of the Draft 2009 LRP and to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on this draft document.     

PUBLIC MEETING LOCATIONS & TIMES

Tuesday, March 31, 2009                                                    Tuesday, March 31, 2009

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.                                                                    7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Connecticut Department of Transportation                              Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments

Conference Room A                                                             5 Connecticut Avenue     

2800 Berlin Turnpike                                                            Norwich, CT 06360

Newington, CT 06131                                    

Wednesday, April 1, 2009                                                  Thursday, April 2, 2009

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.                                                                    7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Chase Municipal Building, 1^st Floor Conference Room             Bridgeport City Hall, Common Council Chambers

236 Grand Street                                                                 999 Broad Street

Waterbury, CT 06072                                                           Bridgeport, CT 06604

The meeting places are handicapped accessible.  The Department will attempt to accommodate persons with special needs. Persons who wish to attend a meeting and require special accommodations or language assistance should contact the Department’s Office of Communications at (860) 594-3061 (voice only) or by e-mail at DOTAccommodations@po.state.ct.us by March 23, 2009.

You may also submit written comments by mail or electronically. Include your name, address and, if applicable, the name of the organization or company you represent.  Comments received on or before April 30, 2009, will be reviewed as part of the process for preparing the final 2009 LRP. Comments should be addressed to:  Ms. Roxane Fromson, Transportation Supervising Planner, Bureau of Policy and Planning, Connecticut Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 317546, Newington, CT 06131-7546, or e-mailed to roxane.fromson@ct.gov.