CTDOT releases updated five-year capital plan with renewed sustainability commitment

An interim five-year capital plan was released by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) that covers fiscal years 2022 – 2026 with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emission, protecting natural and community resources, and improving the health and safety of residents.  

The interim five-year plan includes capital investments in roadways and bridges, public transportation, and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. 

“Strategic investments in infrastructure, increased access to public transportation and new initiatives that reduce our carbon emissions are critically important to economic growth in Connecticut and the health and safety of residents. Our interim five-year plan demonstrates our ongoing commitment to safety, equity and resiliency. As we emerge from the pandemic, we will do so stronger and with the support we need,” said CTDOT Commissioner Joseph Giulietti. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is transformational and is providing the state with more than $5 billion in federal infrastructure funding over a five-year period. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.” 

CTDOT anticipates utilizing $2.25 billion in total Capital Program funding in federal fiscal year 2022, which began Oct. 1, 2021, including approximately $1.36 billion for roadway and bridge infrastructure, $844 million for bus and rail, and $49 million in support of agency facility repairs and improvements. 

CTDOT focuses on road and bridge projects that address transportation mobility and safety needs of the entire state. Improvements are slated for all over Connecticut that improve existing infrastructure, from local bridges and intersections to major projects. CTDOT also operates more than 2,500 traffic signals – more than all other New England states combined – and is embarking on a 10-year program to upgrade the system to reduce transportation emissions and better meet the mobility needs of all roadway users. 

Public transportation continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, with rail ridership at approximately 50 percent and bus ridership more than 70 percent of pre-COVID-19 levels. Given the trends in the needs of commuters, such as more telework options, a greater focus is on service improvement and customer experience projects. As part of Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s TIME FOR CT, funds will be used on track upgrades, bridge repairs and new rail fleet in order to create faster and safer rail service in the state. 

In December, Gov. Lamont signed an executive order directing CTDOT and all other state agencies to take actionable steps to reduce carbon emissions. Projects included in the CTDOT interim five-year plan that directly reduce emissions and improve air quality include installing more electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, utilizing solar power at CTDOT facilities, expanding the Community Connectivity Grant Program to build-out accessible sidewalks, crosswalks and bike infrastructure, and converting the bus fleet to electric buses. 

Members of the public are invited to attend a virtual Public Information session on the Capital Plan on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m., and to provide input and feedback on the Capital Plan.  

The interim five-year Capital Plan will continue to be refined in collaboration with stakeholders over the next several months, as more guidance and information is released by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), specifically around the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The final version of the Capital Plan Report is expected to be published by summer 2022.