RFP Issued for Ticket Vending Machine System for CTfastrak Bus Rapid Transit Project

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today that is seeking to procure a ticket vending machine system (TVMS) for the CTfastrak bus rapid transit system, scheduled to begin operations in early 2015.

Reminder: CT Rail Fares Go Up Jan. 1, 2014

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is reminding commuters that fares on the New Haven Line and Shore Line East will increase effective January 1, 2014.

GOV. MALLOY RECEIVES REPORT ON METRO-NORTH SAFETY INVESTMENTS/ENHANCEMENTS

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today received a report from MTA Metro-North Railroad President Howard Permut on recent infrastructure, technology and safety actions on the system. The report was issued in response to a December 3 letter that Governor Malloy sent to the MTA requesting a full accounting of actions taken to address key issues following a series of incidents in 2013, including two passenger train derailments in Connecticut and New York – one of them fatal – and the death of a track worker in West Haven, Connecticut.

BUS FARE INCREASES TAKE EFFECT JANUARY 19, 2014

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced today that most CTTRANSIT and ADA Paratransit fares will increase effective January 19, 2014. As a result of public input received during the fare increase process, some of the proposed fare increases were reduced and transfer policies have been improved.

Rail Fare Increase Takes Effect January 1

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) reminds passengers that the third of three fare increases will go into effect on January 1, 2014. Monthly tickets on sale for January will reflect the new fares. The new fares will be implemented on the New Haven Line and Shore Line East.

Statewide Operation Big Orange Activity Focuses On Work Zone Safety by Reducing Moving Violations

The Connecticut Department of Transportation in partnership with the Connecticut State Police today announced that more than 2,000 traffic citations were issued during the “Operation Big Orange” enforcement effort across the state through October 2013.

West Haven Train Station Opens

Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman joined U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and other state, railroad and local officials today for the cutting of the ribbon to open the gleaming new $103 million West Haven station on the busy New Haven commuter rail line. The facility is packed with modern amenities, self-pay parking and ticket machines, a pedestrian overpass, bicycle racks and 650 new parking spaces.

NEW Danbury Branch Weekday Train Service

Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker announced today the upcoming weekday Danbury Branch train schedule improvements going into effect on Sunday, November 17, 2013.

Ribbon Cut on Safer Access Road to State Forest in Beacon Falls

State transportation and environmental protection officials today joined State Rep. Theresa W. Conroy and other state and local representatives to cut a ribbon and officially open an access road to Naugatuck State Forest, adjacent to an active railroad line, in Beacon Falls.

HARTFORD COMMUTER EXPRESS BUS SERVICE EXTENDED TO TOLLAND

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the extension of the Vernon-Hartford Commuter Express bus service to Tolland. Beginning Monday, September 23, 2013, the #17 Express Route will provide limited service from and to the Park & Ride lot immediately off I-84 Exit 68 (Route 195 Tolland/Mansfield) in Tolland. Previously the service only went as far as Exit 67 in Vernon.

CTfastrak Open House Meetings for the Public

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will be holding a series of Open House meetings to update the public on the construction and service plan progress of CTfastrak, Connecticut's first bus rapid transit system, scheduled to begin operations in early 2015. The meetings are free and open to all members of the public.

Connecticut Department of Transportation Receives National Honors - Converts Rotary to Roundabout - 50% Reduction in Number of Crashes

Washington, DC -- At an awards ceremony on Capitol Hill, the Roadway Safety Foundation (RSF) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today recognized the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) for its project in Killingworth, CT to convert the rotary at Routes 80 and 81 to a modern roundabout, resulting in a 50% reduction in the number of crashes and a 86% reduction in injuries at that site.

CTDOT Announces FHWA Funding to Provide On the Job Training (OJT) Program Supportive Services

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that it will receive funding to assist with recruiting and training individuals interested in jobs on transportation projects.

CTDOT Announces FHWA Funding to Provide Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Supportive Services

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that the Federal Highway Administration will provide $178,614 in funding to CTDOT for business development services to eligible CTDOT DBE firms.

New Local Transportation Improvement Program Takes Effect

A revised and streamlined program for assisting towns with local transportation funding grants, approved during the 2013 legislative session, with a launch date of November 1, is now in effect, the Connecticut Department of Transportation announced today. The $45 million annual program is designed to be far less burdensome to cities and towns making local capital improvements.

Operation Big Orange Nets Big Results – Work Zone Safety Enforcement Program Helps Keep Roadway Workers Safe and Dangerous Motorists in Check

The Connecticut Department of Transportation’s I-95 New Haven Harbor Crossing Corridor Improvement Program in partnership with the Connecticut State Police are announcing results from “Operation Big Orange” traffic law enforcement efforts that commenced after the Labor Day holiday. Several hundred citations were issued during the effort.

Testimony of DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker, October 28, 2013

Connecticut DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker testified today at a field hearing of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, chaired by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut.

DOT Brings 'Save a Life' Program to Four CT High Schools This Week

The Department of Transportation’s Governor’s Highway Safety Office is bringing the “Save-a-Life Tour” to 4 Connecticut schools this week. This tour uses a unique mix of first-hand peer experience, a powerful video and hands-on experience with a driving simulator meant to impact high school students and potential young drivers.

CTDOT, AMTRAK ANNOUNCE COST-SHARE AGREEMENT

Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker and Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman today announced the completion of a cost sharing agreement to fund Amtrak’s New Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) Line, as required by Section 209 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA). PRIIA Section 209 calls for states to share the costs of Amtrak routes of less than 750 miles. The agreement signals the start of a new partnership between Connecticut and Amtrak, with the shared goal of improving all aspects of train service for NHHS riders.

CTDOT ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO MAINTAIN SEAT BUS SERVICE

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced that an increase in funding available to all transit districts will most likely eliminate the projected budget shortfall for the Southeast Area Transit District (SEAT).

Completion of Broad Street Bridge & Streetscape Project in Time for Hartford Marathon

Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman today joined the Connecticut Department of Transportation and ING Hartford Marathon to announce the completion of the Broad Street Bridge and Streetscape section of the CTfastrak construction project in time for the running of the ING Hartford Marathon this weekend, which is expected to attract more than 40,000 participants and spectators to downtown Hartford.

Connecticut Safe Routes to School Program Encourages Schools to Participate

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is encouraging Connecticut schools to join schools from around the world in celebrating International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 9, 2013.

UPDATE: Full New Haven Line Service To Resume Monday Morning

MTA Metro-North Railroad announced today that full train service on the New Haven Line will resume Monday morning, October 7, following successful initial overnight tests of a major new electrical substation at Mount Vernon.

Full New Haven Line Commuter Rail Service to Resume Monday, October 7;MTA Outlines Procedures for New Haven Line Customer Credit Program

With full New Haven Line commuter rail service expected to resume Monday, October 7, MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) Metro-North Railroad has established procedures for New Haven Line customers weekly and monthly ticket holders who were inconvenienced by the September 25 power failure to obtain credits for their future ticket purchases.

Metro-North Railroad Announces Saturday and Sunday Service Plan for the New Haven Line

A reduced schedule will be in effect this weekend (Sat., Sept. 28 &Sun., Sept. 29) due to the continuing Con Ed power outage to a crucial 8-mile segment of the New Haven Line. There will be hourly train service from all New Haven Line stations in both directions all day on Saturday and Sunday.

Transform CT at Durham Fair this Weekend

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) invites you to participate in the process of developing the State’s transportation vision for the next 50 years. Stop by our booth at the Durham Fair this weekend.

UPDATE: New Haven Commuter Rail Line Service for Friday, September 27

Limited service will continue on the New Haven Commuter Rail Line on Friday, September 27, 2013.

POPULAR DOWNTOWN HARTFORD SHUTTLE REBRANDED

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced that the popular free downtown Hartford circulator bus formerly known as the Star Shuttle was renamed "dash."

UPDATE: Limited Train Service on New Haven Commuter Rail Line - Thursday, September 26

Updated plan for commuter rail service on New Haven Line for the afternoon of Thursday, September 26.

UPDATE: New Haven Line Train Service for Thursday, September 26

New schedule for New Haven Line Commuter Rail Service beginning Thursday, September 26, 2013.

AMTRAK Service Update

Due to the ongoing commerical power problem in the New York area affecting Metro-North Railroad territory, Amtrak Acela Express service will not operate on Thursday, Sept. 26 between New York and Boston. However, Amtrak Northeast Regional service will operate under diesel power through the affected area.

UPDATE: Limited New Haven Rail Line Service Thrusday

Because of a power outage in New York, there will be limited service on the New Haven Commuter Rail Line Thursday, September 26.

Extremely Limited Service on New Haven Rail Line

The New Haven commuter Rail Line is running extremely limited service as a result of a powerr outage in Mount Vernon, NY.

GOV. MALLOY, STATE OFFICIALS AND BUSINESS EXECUTIVES LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE SAFE TEEN DRIVING AND REDUCE DISTRACTED DRIVING

Governor Dannel P. Malloy, joined by Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, Attorney General George Jepsen, state Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) Commissioner James P. Redeker, state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner Melody A. Currey and executives from AT&T and Travelers Insurance, today kicked-off a statewide campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving by proclaiming September 19th “Don’t Text and Drive Day in Connecticut.”

Distracted Driving Events at CT High Schools

There will be distracted driving events at high schools in Middletown and Durham, encouraging students to "take the pledge" and not text and drive.

HARTFORD COMMUTER EXPRESS BUS SERVICE EXTENDED TO TOLLAND

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the extension of the Vernon-Hartford Commuter Express bus service to Tolland. Beginning Monday, September 23, 2013, the #17 Express Route will provide limited service from and to the Park & Ride lot immediately off I-84 Exit 68 (Route 195 Tolland/Mansfield) in Tolland.

DOT and AT&T Distracted Driving Event

The Department of Transportation and AT&T will hold a distracted driving pledge event at East Hartford High School, encouraging students to "take the pledge" and not text and drive. The event will be at East Hartford High School, 869 Forbes Street, in East Hartford beginning about 10 a.m.

Public Informational Meeting on Stamford TOD Project

A public informational meeting on the Stamford Transportation Center “Transit-Oriented Development” (TOD) project will take place on September 24, 2013, at 7 pm at Stamford High School, 55 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford.

Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry Service Extended Through November 30

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced that the popular Connecticut River Ferry service between Rocky Hill and Glastonbury – the oldest continuously operated ferry service in America – will be extended for an additional month this year, through November 30.

CTDOT Launches Redesigned CTfastrak.com

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced today the launch of the redesigned CTfastrak website offering residents a fresh look, new framework and user-friendly options to learn more about Connecticut's first bus rapid transit system.

GOV. MALLOY APPLAUDS $10 MILLION FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION GRANT FOR NEW HAVEN’S STATE STREET STATION

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today applauded the release of a $10 million federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to the State of Connecticut for the purpose of constructing a second platform at New Haven’s State Street Station, which will minimize delays and accommodate an increase in service under the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) Rail Program.

Increased Speed Enforcement in I-95 New Haven Corridor

CTDOT would like to remind the traveling public that the speed limit is 40 MPH on I-95 and I-91 in the New Haven area. Posted speed limit maps can be found on i95newhaven.com. To help motorists navigate the corridor safely and efficiently, there will be increased state police presence for speed limit enforcement after the Labor Day holiday.

Strong Ridership Growth for Expanded Shore Line East New London Train Service

The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced that, with the inauguration of regular weekend Shore Line East (SLE) New London train service, there was strong ridership growth in June and July 2013.

Walk it Bike It Back To School -- Safety Reminders and Tips

As Connecticut’s children head back to school, the Connecticut Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to take extra precaution when traveling in school zones.

Public Hearings on Bus Fare Increases

A series of public hearings will take place in September regarding planned bus transit fare increases. View the complete list.

New Legislation Promises Safer Roads

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there are over 100 fatal occupational injuries at road construction sites every year. With motor vehicle accidents responsible for nearly half of these fatalities, highway agencies across the nation have focused on improving the safety of the road for the highway worker.

811 DAY is Approaching! Call Before You Dig Inc. Reminds You to Call 811 Before Digging in Your Yard

With Aug. 11th almost here, Call Before You Dig, Inc. hopes this date on the calendar, 8/11, will serve as a natural reminder for residents to call 811 prior to any digging project to have underground utility lines marked to avoid unintentionally hitting them. Call Before You Dig is a non-profit organization comprised of all public utility companies and municipalities within Connecticut. CBYD is a free service that provides homeowners and professional excavators with a toll free call by dialing 8-1-1 for locating and marking underground facilities by its members, and calling CBYD before you dig is the law in Connecticut.

GOV. MALLOY: BOND COMMISSION TO APPROVE MILLIONS TO RESTORE STATE ROADWAYS AND BRIDGES, MODERNIZE STATE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK AND CREATE THOUSANDS OF JOBS

– Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the State Bond Commission will approve more than $537 million in state funds on Friday to finance a series of construction and maintenance projects through the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (ConnDOT) capital infrastructure program, including 250 lane miles of state highway resurfacing and more than 40 bridge restoration projects around the state.

GOV. MALLOY: Q-BRIDGE PROJECT TO INCREASE CAPACITY AND REDUCE CONGESTION ON I-95 BETWEEN NEW HAVEN AND BRANFORD IS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

Governor Dannel P. Malloy, joined by U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) Commissioner James P. Redeker, today toured the I-95 New Haven Harbor Crossing (NHHC) Corridor Improvement Program following a major traffic shift, completed over the weekend, of all southbound travel onto the temporary lanes of the new Pearl Harbor Memorial (Q) Bridge.

Parking permits Available for West Haven Rail Station

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that the process to purchase parking permits for the New Haven Line’s West Haven Rail Station will start the week of July 15, 2013. The West Haven Station parking lot will accommodate 658 vehicles.

Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Stamford Advisory Committee, July 9, 2013

Minutes from the meeting of the Stamford Advisory Committee on July 9, 2013.

Connecticut DOT Selects Stamford Manhattan Development Ventures As the ‘Preferred Developer’ for Stamford TOD Project

After several months of rigorous evaluation of multiple proposals, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) has selected Stamford Manhattan Development Ventures LLC (SMDV) as the “Preferred Developer” for the transit-oriented development (TOD) project at the Stamford Transportation Center.

Connecticut Law Enforcement Warns Drivers to ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ This Summer

Hartford, Connecticut – Americans love to celebrate the Fourth of July with family, friends, food and fireworks, but too often alcohol turns the party into a tragedy, making this iconic holiday one of the most deadly days of the year on our nation’s roads.

GOV. MALLOY LAUNCHES STRATEGIC TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVE

Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced today that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched a strategic planning approach to transportation policies, programs, and projects. Transform CT will improve economic growth and competitiveness, build sustainability, and provide a blueprint for a world-class transportation system.

DOT Announces New Fares on Connecticut River Ferries

Following two public meetings in May to discuss increasing fares on the two Connecticut River Ferries, Commissioner James P. Redeker is announcing that fares will be raised in two stages. The first increase will be on July 8, 2013, and the second increase will occur at the beginning of the ferry season in 2014.

CONNECTICUT CLEAN FUEL PROGRAM RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the award of Connecticut Clean Fuel Program funds to municipalities and agencies. The Federal Highway Administration through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program has made funding available to Connecticut to assist in the purchase of clean fuel vehicles and diesel retrofit technologies (DRT). A total of $925,776 has been awarded by CTDOT under this program.

CONNECTICUT POLICE ANNOUNCE MAJOR CRACKDOWN ON TEXTING WHILE DRIVING

The Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office today announced the kick-off of an Anti-Texting Enforcement Project, as part of the “Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other” campaign. This effort will enforce Connecticut’s tough law that prohibits motorists from texting and/or using hand-held cell phones while driving. The crackdown will run from Thursday, June 20, through Wednesday, June 26, 2013.

East Haddam Swing Bridge Closed for Centennial Celebration Saturday Morning, June 15, 2013

The East Haddam Swing Bridge carrying Route 82 over the Connecticur River between East Haddam and Haddam will be closed to vehicle traffic from about 8:55 a.m. to about 9:45 a.m. for the bridge's Centennail Celebration. Significant traffic delays are anticipated.

Canopy Work Begins at Glenbrook Train Station

The construction of canopies at the Glenbrook railroad station in Stamford will begin Monday, June 17, 2013, and continue through May 2014. The project will require a minor reduction in the number of available parking spaces, and as a result, commuters are advised to allow extra time to reach the station and board the train.

CTrides HELPS COMMUTERS FIND AVAILABLE RAIL PARKING AT SELECT NEW HAVEN LINE STATIONS

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced a new initiative to help commuters find available parking at rail stations on the New Haven Line. Many riders may not be aware that up to 500 parking spaces are available at both the Bridgeport and Fairfield Metro railroad stations on the heavily traveled commuter rail line.

Connecticut DOT Commissioner Redeker is New Chair of NEC Commission

Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker is the new chair of the Northeast Corridor Commission, an organization created by Congress to lead the creation and implementation of a visionary, long-term, regional investment strategy for the Northeast Corridor.

CT DOT Update on Stamford Transit Oriented Development Project

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) today issued the following information regarding the transit oriented development (TOD) project at the Stamford Transportation Center, following a May 21, 2013, meeting with the TOD Advisory Committee, appointed by Governor Dannel P. Malloy to advise the DOT.

Decision Reached on Closing of Flower Street in Hartford for CTfastrak Project

A state Department of Transportation hearing officer has ruled that the DOT may close Flower Street in Hartford to bicycle and pedestrian traffic for the CTfastrak project.

MTA Statement on Metro-North Derailment in Connecticut

MTA Interim Executive Director Tom Prendergast and Metro-North President Howard Permut today again visited the scene of Friday’s evening’s derailment and subsequent sideswipe in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The National Transportation Safety Board, with the full support and assistance of Metro-North Railroad, the MTA Police Department, Federal Railroad Administration, Connecticut DOT, and Bridgeport Police, is conducting an exhaustive investigation that will determine the cause of the incident.

New Weekday and Weekend Train Service on Shore Line East

The Connecticut Department of Transportation today announced a Shore Line East (SLE) spring schedule change that will begin on Saturday, May 18, 2013. New weekday and weekend trains will be operated. There are also changes to trains times on both weekdays and weekends.

CONNECTICUT COMMUTERS ENCOURAGED TO SHARE A RIDE DURING CTrides WEEK, MAY 13 – 17, 2013

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is inviting Connecticut commuters to participate in a week-long challenge of trying alternative methods of travel for their daily commutes. For at least one day during CTrides Week from May 13 through May 17, drivers are asked to visit www.CTrides.com and pledge to take advantage of various ride-sharing options instead of driving alone.

Rocky Hill – Glastonbury Ferry Service Resumes May 9, 2013

The seasonal service provided by the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry will resume a full seven-day-a-week schedule on Thursday, May 9, following successful trials of its new power, electrical and cooling systems.

Connecticut Schools Gear Up to Celebrate National Bike to School Day on May 8, 2013

This Wednesday, May 8th, schools across Connecticut will celebrate the 2nd annual Bike to School Day. Join participating schools in holding special events to encourage students to ride their bikes or walk to school with parents, teachers and community leaders.

GOV. MALLOY: TRANSPORTATION SAFETY RESEARCH CENTER IMPROVES ROAD SAFETY, SAVES MONEY, MODERNIZES DATA COLLECTION AND ANAYLSIS

Governor Dannel P. Malloy, joined by State Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner James P. Redeker, and UConn Provost Mun Choi, announced today that the Connecticut Transportation Safety Research Center at UConn in Storrs is dramatically improving the collection and analysis of car crash data, and providing an important new resource for law enforcement, health and safety personnel, policymakers, and the public.

200th New Rail Car Goes into Service

The Connecticut Department of Transportation and MTA Metro-North Railroad today announced that the 200th M-8 rail car has been put into service on the New Haven Line, marking the halfway point for the investment program that began in 2009 when 405 cars were ordered.

APRIL 15-19, 2013 IS WORK ZONE SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK IN CONNECTICUT

Governor Dannel P. Malloy has proclaimed April 15-19, 2013, Work Zone Safety Awareness Week in Connecticut.

DOT Announces Meetings on Plans to Raise Fares on the Connecticut River Ferries

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced that it will be holding two public meetings regarding plans to raise the fares on the two Connecticut River Ferries starting July 1, 2013. The increases are necessary to offset the rising operating costs that have occurred over the years. Fares have not been raised since 2003.

Connecticut DOT to Begin Managing Southeastern CT Bus Service

Responding to a formal request by the nine towns that are members of the Board of Directors of the Southeast Area Transit District (SEAT), on March 5, 2013, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) will commence management and operation of the bus service based in Preston, which provided more than 1 million passenger trips in 2012.

DOT Announces Plans to Install Gates at Long Ridge Road Railroad Crossing

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced plans to expedite the installation of vehicle gates at the Long Ridge Road railroad/highway at-grade crossing in Redding where two young people lost their lives when the car they were in was struck by a train on December 30, 2012.

Smart Government: Department of Transportation Introduces Mobile Apps for Traffic and Public Transit Information and Updates

– Department of Transportation Commissioner (DOT) James P. Redeker today announced that the Department of Transportation now offers a series of smartphone apps for traffic and rail information and updates.

Tree Removal Planned Along New Haven Rail Line in Greenwich & Stamford

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT), Metro-North Railroad and Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) today announced a tree-removal program along the New Haven commuter rail line in Greenwich and Stamford in an effort to minimize future train service disruptions and neighborhood power outages like the ones that resulted from three major storms in the past year.

State Bond Commission Approves Millions for DOT Projects

The State Bond Commission today approved $170 million for DOT projects – ranging from the Stamford Transportation Center to road repaving and a freight-rail improvement project.

DOT Signage Taskforce Announces Recommendations and New Program

As a result of work recently completed by a Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) taskforce on highway signs, a series of changes in policies and practices was announced today by DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker. The Commissioner has adopted two policy changes that allow more latitude in signing for general motorist services and tourist information facilities.