March 3, 2015

McGorty, Trumbull Officials Meet With DOT Commissioner Redeker

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Trumbull’s legislative delegation, along with First municipal leaders of Monroe and Trumbull, met with Dept. of Transportation Commissioner, James P. Redeker, in the Legislative Office Building, March 2.

The bipartisan meeting was held to discuss traffic concerns at the intersection of Route 25 and Route 111, and potential construction and development upgrades that would affect Trumbull and Monroe.

State Representatives Ben McGorty (R-122), Dave Rutigliano (R-123) and Laura Devlin (R-134), along with State Senator Marilyn Moore (22), Trumbull First Selectman, Tim Herbst, and Monroe First Selectman, Stephen J. Vavrek attended the meeting held in the Transportation Committee Conference room.

L-R: Rep. Laura Devlin, Rep. Ben McGorty, Rep. Dave Rutigliano, Commissioner Redeker, Sen. Marilyn Moore, and Trumbull First Selectman Tim Herbst

“The concerns we discussed today are vital to the future of Greater Bridgeport area towns. Improvements that address traffic and safety will be extremely beneficial for our residents and for local businesses,” said Rep. McGorty.

“The commissioner was very gracious to take the time from his schedule to meet with us,” said Rep. Rutigliano.

“Our residents have contacted me repeatedly for the roads to be improved so they can have equal access. Our hope is for improvements to take place for the whole stretch of road from Monroe through Trumbull,” he said.

Commissioner Redeker discussed concerns about the traffic stemming from the intersection, and potential changes that could be made, including widening the roads to relieve congestion, and future business development that could catalyze necessary upgrades.

He said these upgrades would be beneficial to businesses and residents on both sides, and could lead to greater economic development for the area.

Also discussed was the Housatonic Rail-Trail, which is utilized by 6,000 hikers and visitors each year. Officials at the meeting agreed that improving and/or moving the Trumbull entranceway to the trail would be safer for visitors. The Housatonic Rail-Trail website currently states that visitors should use caution while crossing Route 111.

“I’d like to thank Commissioner Redeker for his time. This meeting was needed to address the concerns of our residents. The intersection of Routes 25 and 111 has been an issue for many years. I hope that this meeting will spearhead infrastructure improvements so that our residents can have easier commutes, and so that businesses in the greater Bridgeport area can continue growing,” said Rep. Devlin.

In December, The Connecticut Department of Transportation released its five-year construction projects plan, covering 2015-2019, and including projects on highways and bridges, public transportation, ports and waterways and bicycle/pedestrian enhancements.

“I offered to facilitate this meeting on behalf of the Trumbull delegation so that residents of Monroe and Trumbull could have their concern’s voiced by those who represent them,” said Sen. Moore.

“The congestion stemming from the intersection of Route 25 and Route 111 has been a continuous problem for those who live in these towns. This meeting with Transportation Commissioner James Redeker allowed us to address the congestion issues and potential construction and development upgrades that could potentially solve this problem,” she said.