Carpino and Ziobron Applaud Route 66 Improvements

Portland/East Hampton – State Representatives Christie Carpino and Melissa Ziobron have been working with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to identify a major public safety issue on Route 66 in Portland and East Hampton. Over the past year there have been multiple accidents of a serious nature, including a fatality, on the stretch of Route 66 in Portland known as “The Ledges.” It is a main thoroughfare for residents throughout Middlesex County to cross the Arrigoni Bridge and access Route 9.

In a joint letter written to the Department of Transportation, Rep. Carpino and Rep. Ziobron requested assistance in conducting a traffic study of this stretch of state roadway to resolve safety issues, including the possibility of installing rumble strips and additional lighting. They also co-introduced legislation to implement rumble strips, however due to the quick response from DOT to support that initiative, that legislation was not moved forward.

“I commend the swift action of the DOT on this issue to quickly determine that safety improvements were needed, and then to implement a plan to install those improvements in a short time span,” noted Rep. Carpino. “I believe that because of the DOT’s response it will be much safer to travel these roads, especially in inclement weather and at night.”

“I am pleased to see that following our request and by continuing to work together to protect our residents, the DOT worked efficiently to install the much-needed rumble strips on Route 66. If we can potentially prevent an accident – or even worse – a fatality, then this proactive measure will be a success. While this is one step in the right direction, we must continue to be alert and maintain safe speeds to make this stretch of Rte. 66 safe for all of us,” Rep. Ziobron said.

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