COMMISSIONER'S CORNER

Being a Good Neighbor – During Construction and Beyond

Back in the spring of 2012 we turned the first shovel of dirt for the CTfastrak project. Over a year has passed now and we are fully into construction. With several contractors working along various sections of the corridor, some working double shifts to keep the schedule on track, a tremendous amount of progress has been made. 

It’s hard to imagine now, but in little over a year those piles of dirt will be transformed into attractive CTfastrak stations that will become bustling centers of activity, connecting people in communities along the route and throughout our region in ways not currently possible. In the process, we’re doing more than building a rapid transit system; we’re investing in a corridor between New Britain and Hartford that will reap benefits for generations to come.

As part of this transformation, we are removing piles of junk and debris that have accumulated over the years and become a real eyesore. To make way for the future stations and dedicated guideway, we are selectively removing some existing trees and plants, while preserving healthy, mature trees that will be incorporated into the overall landscape and streetscape plan for the corridor and station areas. A significant number of new trees and plantings will be brought in to enhance what’s already there as part of our community landscaping program.

Another way we are improving the community through this project is by cleaning up contaminated soil and groundwater, as well as preserving and expanding existing wetlands areas to provide habitat for wildlife. We want this to be the best “green” project, not just in Connecticut, but in the entire country. The DOT is demonstrating our dedication to going green throughout every aspect of the CTfastrak system, from zero-emission vehicles to sustainable station materials, to the new dedicated pedestrian and bike trail that will be built along the route.

As with any construction project – whether it’s a major infrastructure project or a home remodel –construction can be challenging and disruptive to our day-to-day lives. CTDOT is committed to being a good neighbor and minimizing those impacts – to traffic, to businesses and residents in the area – however we can. We’re making sure the contractors keep traffic lanes open whenever possible, especially during peak travel times. Our community outreach team is going door-to-door, talking to impacted community members to let them know what’s going on. We post construction alerts on our website, www.CTfastrak.com, to make sure people know about restrictions and can plan accordingly. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to sign up for our mailing list through the website to receive these updates automatically. Finally, if you have a question or concern about the project you’d like addressed, please feel free to contact our construction team at 860-231-0461 or at [email protected].