Linda LasiewickiConnecticut has dedicated $1.1 billion in state bonds to support upgrades and improvements to road, bridge and public transit infrastructure. More than $666 million will go toward public transportation improvements. The remaining funds will be used to maintain and improve roads and bridges.
The Northeast Corridor (NEC) Match Program will receive $398.1 million for 13 projects to upgrade outdated passenger rail infrastructure, add rail capacity and replace aging bridges and tunnels. The program will be matched with up to $2.1 billion in federal funding.
Fix-it-First Bridge Repair will receive $98 million to rehabilitate, reconstruct, repair or replace state highway system bridges. There will be $40 million in matching federal funds to replace an Interstate 91 bridge in Middletown and five Route 72 bridges in New Britain and Plainville.
The I-91, Interstate 691 and Route 15 Interchange in Meriden will receive 31.7 million for reconstruction and realignment for improved safety and decreased congestion. An additional $223 million in matching federal funds will be included.
The New Haven Union Station will receive $15 million to design a new multimodal hub, parking structure, rental car facility, Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and avenue realignment to improve traffic, bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Other notable projects funded include:
- $12.9 million for local capital improvement projects to address regional transportation priorities.
- $12.4 million for implementing wrong-way driver detection systems at 70 locations.
- $12 million for additional community grant awards for improving safety in urban, suburban and rural community centers.
- $10 million in grants for rural and small-town infrastructure improvements.
- $9 million for the demolition of Stamford Station Parking Garage in anticipation of future TOD projects.
The funding will unlock an additional $2.5 billion in Investing in America (IIA) funding for 63 separate infrastructure projects announced earlier this year. The majority will be used to improve roads, bridges and roadway safety. The remaining $96 million will provide better clean water accessibility across the state. Notable projects that were awarded funding include:
- The Gold Star Memorial Bridge was awarded $158 million for structural repairs, increased load capacity, elimination of load restrictions for overweight vehicles and a multi-use path for bikes and pedestrians.
- The Bradley International Airport was awarded $25 million for a terminal expansion project, including a new in-line checked baggage system and control room, expanded passenger hold rooms, new airline gate space and passenger and baggage movement improvements.
- The Bridgeport Port Authority was awarded $10.5 million to construct an Operations and Maintenance Wind Port, including harbor dredging, bulkhead installation, a floating service dock and pads for cranes.
- Four school districts were awarded $8.8 million to purchase 28 zero-emission buses.
