The Existing System (THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK) TRANSPORTATION IN CONNECTICUT THE EXISTING SYSTEM 2014 Prepared by: OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PLANNING & PROJECTS BUREAU OF POLICY & PLANNING CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION P.O. BOX 317546-2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE NEWINGTON, CONNECTICUT 06131-7546 Rev. 01/12/2015 With assistance from: THE BUREAUS OF ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION, HIGHWAY OPERATIONS, PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION AND THE CONNECTICUT AIRPORT AUTHORITY. A digital edition of this report is available at www.ct.gov/dot CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 1 1 HIGHWAY SYSTEM .................................................................................................... 4 1.1 HIGHWAY SYSTEM COMPONENTS ....................................................................................... 6 1.1.1 Pavement ............................................................................................................................6 1.1.2 Traffic Signals .....................................................................................................................11 1.1.3 Pavement Markings .........................................................................................................12 1.1.4 Traffic Signs ........................................................................................................................13 1.1.5 Highway Lighting ..............................................................................................................14 1.1.6 Guiderail ............................................................................................................................16 1.1.7 Intelligent Transportation Systems (Physical Components of Systems) ......................16 1.1.8 ITS – Connecticut Highway Assistance Motorist Patrol (CHAMP) ...............................18 1.1.9 Work Zone Safety and Mobility Initiatives ......................................................................18 1.1.10 Weigh-in-Motion Systems (WIM) and the Traffic Monitoring Programs ......................19 1.1.11 Highway Rest Areas ..........................................................................................................20 1.1.12 Highway Commercial Service Plazas .............................................................................21 1.1.13 Highway System Facilities ................................................................................................28 1.1.14 Commuter Parking Facilities ............................................................................................30 1.2 CURRENT AND FUTURE DEMAND ........................................................................................ 31 1.2.1 Behavioral and Demographic Patterns .........................................................................31 1.2.2 Extent to Which Roads in Suburban and Rural Areas Can Be Maintained, Improved or Enhanced to Respond to Needs of Drivers, Bicyclists and Pedestrians .................31 1.2.3 Application of Technology and Innovative Approaches to Maintain Traffic Flow ..31 1.2.4 ITS, New Materials, New Equipment, and New Processes and Procedures ..............32 1.2.5 Changes in Vehicles ........................................................................................................32 1.2.6 Aging of the Population ..................................................................................................32 1.2.7 Changes in How and Where Businesses Operate and Locate ..................................32 1.2.8 Alternative Fuels ................................................................................................................32 1.2.9 Highway Modes ................................................................................................................33 1.2.10 Funding ..............................................................................................................................33 1.2.11 Highway Capacity ...........................................................................................................34 2 BRIDGES .................................................................................................................. 38 2.1 BRIDGE INSPECTIONS ...................................................................................................... 39 2.2 BRIDGE RATINGS ............................................................................................................ 40 2.3 FACTORS AFFECTING THE CONDITION OF BRIDGES .............................................................. 42 2.4 RAILROAD BRIDGES ........................................................................................................ 43 2.5 LOCAL (TOWN) HIGHWAY BRIDGES .................................................................................. 43 3 BIKEWAYS, WALKWAYS, AND TRAILS .................................................................... 44 3.1 FEDERAL POLICY & GOALS .............................................................................................. 44 3.2 STATE POLICY & GOALS .................................................................................................. 46 3.3 FACILITIES ...................................................................................................................... 47 3.4 DEMAND FOR AND USE OF BIKEWAYS & PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES ............................................. 48 3.5 SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM ................................................................................ 49 3.6 OTHER ACTIVITIES ........................................................................................................... 50 3.6.1 Bike to Work .......................................................................................................................50 3.6.2 Safety Fairs and Bicycle Rodeos .....................................................................................50 3.6.3 2009 Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan ................................................................51 4 TRANSIT AND RIDESHARING .................................................................................. 53 4.1 BUS TRANSIT SERVICES ..................................................................................................... 53 4.1.1 CTTRANSIT ..........................................................................................................................54 4.1.2 Other Public Bus Operations in Connecticut ................................................................55 4.2 TRANSIT SERVICES FOR DISABLED PERSONS ......................................................................... 58 4.3 RIDESHARING AND TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT SERVICES ............................... 58 4.4 BUS TRANSIT SYSTEM ASSETS ............................................................................................. 59 4.4.1 CTfastrak ............................................................................................................................59 4.4.2 Bus Transit Facilities ...........................................................................................................60 4.4.3 Rolling Stock ......................................................................................................................62 4.4.4 Bus Shelters and Bus Stop Signs .......................................................................................63 4.4.5 Farebox and Revenue Collection System (Statewide)................................................63 4.5 FACTORS AFFECTING PHYSICAL CONDITION OF SYSTEMS COMPONENTS ................................ 63 4.6 FACTORS AFFECTING DEMAND FOR TRANSIT & RIDESHARING ................................................ 64 4.7 ABILITY TO MEET CURRENT & FUTURE DEMAND .................................................................... 65 5 RAIL SERVICES & FACILITIES ................................................................................... 68 5.1 RAIL PASSENGER SERVICES .............................................................................................. 68 5.1.1 New Haven Line (NHL) .....................................................................................................68 5.1.2 Shore Line East (SLE) .........................................................................................................70 5.1.3 Amtrak Intercity Rail Service ............................................................................................72 5.2 RAIL FREIGHT SERVICES & PROGRAMS ............................................................................... 78 5.2.1 Services ..............................................................................................................................78 5.2.2 Programs ............................................................................................................................78 5.3 RAIL SYSTEM COMPONENTS ............................................................................................. 80 5.3.1 Tracks .................................................................................................................................80 5.3.2 At-Grade Railroad Crossings ...........................................................................................81 5.3.3 Electric Traction Power System Program .......................................................................81 5.3.4 Signal