Bill Curry, opposing Governor John Rowland in the Connecticut gubernatorial race, continues to criticize Rowland’s transportation policies. Curry says the possible failure of a five-year plan to reduce congestion calls into question Rowland’s commitment to solving Fairfield County’s traffic problem.

In 1997, the state legislature passed a special act to cut local highway traffic by 5% over a five-year period – a measure Rowland supported strongly in the 1998 gubernatorial race.  The plan was championed by the Coastal Corridor Coalition, made up of civic, business and environmental groups. It envisioned a transportation strategy that would combine additional transit service and private sector policies to reduce traffic on I-95, the Merritt Parkway and Route 1. (MTR #166).

Although this year’s figures are not in yet, it seems that the plan may miss its goal by 10%, DOT officials told reporters.  Data in 2000 showed some peak-hour reduction on I-95, but worsening traffic on the Merritt.  It was unclear whether the I-95 reduction was a result of time-shifting or switches from cars to transit (MTR #261). 

Curry also recalled Rowland’s attempts to end service on Metro-North’s Danbury and Waterbury branches and eliminate Shore Line East commuter service, and recent cuts to CT Transit’s bus operating budget.  In addition, Curry pointed to a $1.8 million cut to a transportation program, Dial-A-Ride, for the disabled and elderly.

Under Rowland, ConnDOT has just begun a $1 billion project to widen I-95 through New Haven and Branford and is planning a similar project on Interstate 84 in Waterbury.  While Rowland’s spokesman told the Advocate that the challenge is to change drivers’ attitudes and the increase use of alternate forms of transportation, these big highway projects are more likely to encourage more driving and longer motor trips.

Curry has advocated for integrating transportation and land-use planning to address congestion and growth issues.  In addition, he has shown an interest moving freight traffic from roads to rail and barges, investigating the effects of limiting truck access during peak hours, and increasing parking at train stations.  Rowland says Curry has big plans but no clear budget proposals to pay for them.

Connecticut has been struggling to address various transportation issues through the Transportation Strategy Board, which was established in 2000.The Strategy Board is sifting through a wide variety of proposals and policies put forth by various issue and regional groups, though it is still very unclear whether the Board will cover much new ground or produce any real momentum for new policies. 

Campaign Websites:
Bill Curry
John Rowland

Transit Study in CT Covers Familiar Ground (July 22, 2002)

CDOT's I-95 Congestion Reduction Bust (March 17, 2001)

Rowland Backs Plan to Decongest Connecticut 
(March 20, 1998)

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