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

FOR RELEASE: April 13, 2015

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

UPDATE: CTDOT Closes Parking Garage at Stamford Rail Station

[Adds information on alternate parking facilities]

                The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced it is closing the older parking garage at the Stamford Transportation Center, effective immediately, in order to evaluate safety concerns related to deteriorating concrete conditions at the 28-year-old facility.

               Commuters with daily parking permits will be able to park in the newer 1,200-space garage immediately adjacent to the garage that is being closed. Those without permits will be directed to other nearby facilities.

                CTDOT has retained the engineering firm of H.W. Lochner Inc., to perform ground-penetrating radar and other testing of each parking level to ensure safety and stability. Once the testing is complete, plans will be developed regarding the future of the garage.

                “Although some will be inconvenienced, we are taking this action to ensure the safety of all customers,” said CTDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker.

                Replacing the 727-space garage has been part of a long-range CTDOT plan to rebuild and enhance the Transportation Center; in the meantime, the department has been cordoning off sections of the garage and making temporary repairs. However, over the weekend of April 11-12, significant problems were reported when some pieces of concrete in the third level fell to the second-level deck. There were no injuries and no damage to vehicles.

               Working with the City of Stamford and Building Land Technology Inc. (BLT), CTDOT has identified two alternate parking locations for non-permit holders -- BLT's lot at 406-424 Washington Boulevard, across the street from the Transportation Center;and a lot at 28 Bell Street, which operates a shuttle to and from the Transportation Center.