Chris Poulos

Today, I joined Gov. Ned Lamont and members of the Transportation Committee in Southington as the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) launched a new public awareness campaign on the dangers of wrong-way driving as part of the state’s larger strategy of reversing the catastrophic recent increase in wrong-way crashes and deaths. The campaign’s theme of “One Wrong Move” demonstrates how just one moment and one decision can be fatal. 

In July 2022, Governor Lamont authorized the release of $20 million in state bond funding for CTDOT to purchase and install advanced wrong-way driving technology along the state’s highways and roads, including in Southington on I-84 West at Exit 28-29 and 32, and I-84 East at Exit 32.

Above: Explaining challenges associated with the Exit 29 on/off ramps to Gov. Ned Lamont, State Sen. Christine Cohen, Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, State Rep. Roland Lemar, House Chair of the Transportation Committee, and State Sen. Tony Hwang, Ranking Member of the Transportation Committee. Below: Gov. Lamont speaking at a press conference.

This technology uses motion sensors to detect a driver entering a highway exit ramp from the wrong direction and rapidly flashes LED lights to notify them that they are driving the wrong way. So far in addition to Southington, it has been installed and is currently operating at several high-risk ramps across Connecticut with more to come during the course of this year.

Future installations of this technology will add the ability to notify Connecticut State Police in real time. CTDOT is also exploring additional mitigation measures, such as in-laid pavement reflectors.

Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks for taking the time to read them!

Veterans Coffee Hour

On March 20 from 10-11 a.m., Join Commissioner Thomas Saadi from the Connecticut Department of Veteran Affairs and I for Veterans Coffee Hour at Calendar House Senior Center presented by the Town of Southington Veterans Service Office.

You can click here to see the bills my colleagues and I on the Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee have reported out so far this legislative session. We hope to see you for coffee and conversation!

Honoring AHEPA

Last week, Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) and Past Supreme Counselor Greg Stamos met with me, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and State Rep. Nicole Karides-Ditria, and were presented with a proclamation, signed by Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz, a Greek American, and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont that commemorates AHEPA’s 100 years of service to society.

 

Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month, which is a time to celebrate women who have inspired change throughout history and recognize those who continue to fight for the fair and equitable treatment of women and girls around the world. I am also thrilled to celebrate the many accomplishments of women in Southington, across Connecticut and beyond!

Let us continue to make our state a safe, fair and equitable place for women and girls. I hope you can join me in recognizing the achievements of those who continue to inspire us and pave the way for the next generation of women leaders and innovators.

Do you want to find out more about Women's History Month? Click here to read more about the history of it.

Connecticut also has a long history of women's movements. Click here to learn more.