CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: October 9, 2014

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

New Signage on I-84 in West Hartford

          In the wake of two serious accidents recently and at the urging of State Rep. Joe Verrengia, the Connecticut Department of Transportation has installed more than 30 signs and traffic indicators along the “S” curves on I-84 eastbound and westbound in West Hartford. In addition, the Connecticut State Police have stepped up speeding enforcement activity in the area.

         The bright fluorescent-yellow signs designed to get drivers to slow down in advance of the curves were installed this week.

         “I’m extremely pleased with the DOT’s timely follow-through on this important safety issue,” said Rep. Verrengia.   “The increased signage and enforcement will hopefully help navigation through the area. Improving safety on this section of I-84 through West Hartford is a work in progress and I look forward to collaboration with the DOT on additional measures.”

         Connecticut DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker said the signs will be effective, “but ultimately it is driver behavior that will have the greatest impact on safe travel through this section of I-84. People simply need to slow down, drive with no distractions and expect the unexpected.”

         The DOT installed six advance-warning curve signs with “50 MPH” placards on them, and more than two dozen “chevrons” indicating the curves.