TRANSPORTATION AGENDA

Crowded roads in Connecticut undermine business development and productivity. The Shoreline Chambers are investing much time and energy to pursue improvements in transportation that will benefit the Shoreline towns. PA06-136 contains initial steps toward improving regional transportation.  PA07-239 deals with responsible growth, supporting these goals. Over the past decade years DOT has had six Commissioners. This lack of leadership continuity has constrained mass transit development and resulted in failure to complete critical projects, for example the Branford Amtrak bridge, Exit 53, and numerous Rte. 1 improvements.

The Shoreline Shuttle of the Estuary Transit District that operates between Old Saybrook and Madison is a model that provides a base for a Regional New Haven to New London system. We envision linkages between Shoreline East, employment clusters, tourist attractions, shopping, medical services and special events throughout the shoreline communities. The new R-Link bus service is a small first step towards these goals.

Action Needed:

• Continue to implement recommendations of PA06-136 and PA07-239, creating full Shoreline East Service  
• Expand Shoreline East facilities to accommodate both full service commuter rail and Acela.  
• Expand the Estuary Transit District bus service to include Guilford, Branford, North Branford, and East Haven as part of an inter-modal Shoreline region transportation system. 
• Better integrate Tweed-New Haven Regional Airport into the state’s airport system .
• Provide leadership and staffing to fully implement inter-modal transportation and transit-oriented development. 
• Plan, fund and implement the redesign of Exit 53 to be a full-service interchange with entrance and exit in both directions and complete the long overdue Amtrak Bridge project.