The Connecticut Department of Transportation is developing plans to upgrade and expand closed-circuit television cameras, traffic flow monitors and communication upgrades on Interstate 95 and Route 7 in Fairfield County.
— an announcement from the Connecticut General Assembly
The traffic monitoring technology watches Connecticut highways to allow rapid response to any incidents affecting safety.
“If our first responders have more resources to use in place, they will be able to respond to an emergency situation quickly and efficiently,” said state Sen. Pat Billie Miller, who represents Stamford and Darien.
The project in question will involve the upgrade and expansion of existing camera networks for up-to-date traffic conditions and travel times to emergency responders, the media and motorists.
Existing fiber-optic cable and cameras on I-95 will be replaced; new ones will be installed along Route 7, with further work including the installation of traffic flow monitors and communication equipment.
The current schedule for this work will see its design completed in April 2023, with construction starting in the fall of 2023.
The project is expected to be funded with 80% federal and 20% state funds. The limited nature of the work in question means there will not likely be an informational meeting or formal public hearing for the project.
“I’m glad for this investment in technology,” said State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, who represents Norwalk and Darien. “I look forward to the advantages in accident and traffic response possible with more up-to-date resources.”
Image from ConnDOT traffic camera
Traffic flowing in both directions under the Exit 9 bridge, just after it was rebuilt in 2019.