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

FOR RELEASE: May 20, 2013

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

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      A state Department of Transportation hearing officer ruled today (May 20, 2013) that the DOT may close Flower Street in Hartford to bicycle and pedestrian traffic for the CTfastrak project. CTfastrak is a dedicated roadway for buses between New Britain and Hartford and will provide critical bus commuter service links throughout central Connecticut.

      The DOT issued the following statement on the decision:

"The decision allows the DOT to permanently close Flower Street to pedestrian and bicycle traffic and requires the construction of an “up and over” bike/ped bridge at that location. We are pleased with a decision that places safety at this rail crossing first. We will continue to work with the residents, neighborhoods, businesses and the City of Hartford through the design and implementation of this project."