FIRST SELECTMAN TIMOTHY M. HERBST ANNOUNCES PROGRESS REPORT FOR TRAFFIC PROBLEMS ON ROUTE 111
Trumbull officials meet with Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker and his staff
March 16, 2015 - - First Selectman Timothy M. Herbst announced on Monday a series of meetings that have been held with the Connecticut Department of Transportation concerning traffic problems on Route 111, in the vicinity of the new commercial shopping plaza that has been open for the last two years. Herbst was joined in Hartford by Public Works Director John Marsilio, Police Chief Michael Lombardo, Lieutenant Thomas Savarese, Town Engineer Frank Smeriglio and Economic and Community Development Director Edward Lavernoich. First Selectman Herbst indicated that State Senator Marilyn Moore has been instrumental in setting up the meetings with DOT officials and coordinating the efforts of Trumbull's legislation delegation in this regard. "I want to thank Senator Moore for her efforts in securing these meetings with Commissioner Redeker and his staff. In a short period of time as our new State Senator, she has gone to work right away in addressing our concerns, while developing positive solutions to move us forward,” stated First Selectman Herbst.
“I also want to thank all members of our legislative delegation, including Representative Rutigliano, Representative Devlin and Representative McGorty for working in a bipartisan fashion with Senator Moore to develop a positive plan of action to address this problem. All of these legislators are representing ‘Team Trumbull’ very well. I believe these meetings will result in a positive action plan for the area, with specific plans being announced in the Spring and Summer of 2015." The First Selectman indicated that while many members of the legislative delegation are freshmen members, he noted they have gone to work right away to get positive results for the people of Trumbull. He also credits the legislative delegation for having State Representative Laura Devlin serve on the Transportation Committee. The First Selectman also noted that Commissioner Redeker was very generous with his time, meeting twice with Trumbull officials. Herbst said that Redeker arranged a second meeting less than a week after the first to act quickly on addressing the concerns of the community. “My hat is off to Commissioner Redeker for his genuine concern for Trumbull and in working to resolve these issues in an expedited fashion. His staff was very accommodating and we are very grateful.”
Herbst also noted that the Town has recommended a series of changes that all concerned believe will address traffic safety. "Our recommendations are that the entrance to the shopping plaza be re-aligned so as to create a four way intersection at Route 111 and Old Mine Road that will include a traffic light. This will make entry and exit from the commercial shopping plaza much safer. We also believe that this will allow for a realignment and the addition of parking spaces that are sorely needed. Perhaps most importantly, this newly aligned intersection will also improve pedestrian safety for the thousands of residents who use the Pequonnock Trail each week and have to cross Route 111."