CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: June 16, 2009

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

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Connecticut Department of Transportation officials and leaders of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce today formally unveiled plans for an extensive traveler advisory system for drivers along the busy Route 9 and Route 66 corridors in central Connecticut.

Work is beginning on the installation of variable message signs (VMS) and cameras to create an “incident management and traveler advisory system” for motorists approaching the landmark Arrigoni Bridge, which carries Route 66 over the Connecticut River between Middletown and Portland, and along Route 9. The new equipment will also be linked to the DOT’s Highway Operations Center to allow better monitoring.

An estimated 34,000 vehicles cross the bridge each day, while another 70,000 vehicles travel through Middletown on Route 9 on a daily basis.

“This system will alert motorists to potential delays or accidents, and suggest alternative routes to get to their destinations,” said DOT Commissioner Joseph F. Marie. “Anything we can do to provide advance information will help drivers and help us manage our highways better.”

 “This is a great day for all of us,” said Middlesex Chamber President Larry McHugh. “We have had a terrific working relationship with DOT – especially John Carey and Ken Lussier who have worked closely with us to help alleviate the traffic problems that occur with the Arrigoni Bridge.”

 Commissioner Marie and Mr. McHugh thanked a number of state and local officials who were instrumental in keeping the project moving forward, including State Senator Paul Doyle, State Reps. Joseph Serra and James O’Rourke, Middletown Mayor Sebastian Giuliano, Portland First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield and the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce Arrigoni Bridge Committee.

The overall administration of the project will be under the direction of David Lavado, District 1 Engineer, and the project engineer is James Ruitto. The work is being done by A.M. Rizzo Electrical Contractors and the $3.2 million project is expected to be completed in August 2010.