Senator Dan Debicella (R-21) and Representative
Jason Perillo (R-113) have proposed a new southbound entrance
ramp to Route 8 at Exit 14 in Shelton.
“With increasing residential and commercial development
in downtown Shelton, we need to anticipate the traffic
increasing on Howe Avenue and upper Bridgeport Avenue,”
said Senator Debicella. “People looking to travel
south on Route 8 should be able to access it directly
from downtown rather than having to travel five minutes
to another entrance ramp.”
The two legislators recently testified in favor of their
legislation, SB 446, An Act Concerning The Issuance
Of Bonds For A Southbound Entrance Ramp To Route 8 In
Shelton, before the General Assembly’s Transportation
Committee.
“I believe one of our key goals is to continue economic
development in Shelton while maintaining our quality of
life. Our bill provides $10 million in bonding for the
design and construction of a southbound entrance ramp
at Exit 14. This entrance ramp will not only help with
current traffic flow, but ensure that Howe Avenue and
upper Bridgeport Avenue do not end up clogged during rush
hour,” said Representative Perillo.
Senator Debicella and Representative Perillo said that
the nearest southbound entrance ramp to Route 8 is several
minutes down Bridgeport Avenue at Exit 13.
“Downtown’s redevelopment is continuing its
strong, positive path. We need to make sure our infrastructure
will support the revitalized downtown in the decade to
come,” said Senator Debicella.
However, Debicella and Perillo said that this is only
the start of the proposal, and no construction is likely
for years.
“Given our current fiscal situation, we do not
expect to get funding this year,” said Perillo.
“However, it is crucial that we get this project
on the DOT’s priority list so we can obtain funding
in the next few years.”
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