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Infrastructure

News
NYC's 'War On Rats' Heats Up As Climate Change Fuels Infestation: New Study Shows Why NYC's 'War On Rats' Heats Up As Climate Change Fuels Infestation: New Study Shows Why
NYC's 'War On Rats' Heats Up As Climate Change Fuels Infestation: New Study Shows Why Climate change is fueling a surge in rat populations across major US cities, with Washington, DC, seeing the worst increase over the past two decades, a new study said. The study published by Science Advances on Friday, Jan. 31 analyzed public records from 16 cities worldwide to determine why some urban environments are more infested with rats than others. The researchers found that 11 cities—including Washington, Boston, and New York City—had seen major rat population growth over an average of 12 years. Washington's increase was the most extreme, tripling compared to Bo…

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by Chris Spiker
Politics
Journalist Vs. Chemist: Avlon, Goroff Face Off In Closely-Watched NY Congressional Primary Race Journalist Vs. Chemist: Avlon, Goroff Face Off In Closely-Watched NY Congressional Primary Race
Journalist Vs. Chemist: Avlon, Goroff Face Off In Closely-Watched NY Congressional Primary Race Among the New York races that political pundits are keeping an eye on this Primary Day is that of the journalist versus the chemist. On Long Island, Democrats John Avlon and Nancy Goroff are facing off to determine who will take on Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in November for the state’s 1st Congressional District, representing the eastern two-thirds of Suffolk County. The 51-year-old Avlon is a former political analyst at CNN who previously served as a columnist and associate editor for The New York Sun. He was also the chief speech writer for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Ea…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
Race For State Senate Seat Marks First Political Run For Ex-Lamont Aide Nick Simmons Race For State Senate Seat Marks First Political Run For Ex-Lamont Aide Nick Simmons
Race For State Senate Seat Marks First Political Run For Ex-Lamont Aide Nick Simmons This may be Nick Simmons' first political race, but he is not a newcomer to politics.  The State Senate District 36 candidate, brother to Stamford Mayor Carolyn Simmons, was born and raised in Greenwich and now calls Stamford home.  The district comprises Greenwich, North Stamford, and portions of Stamford, New Canaan, and Newfield-Westover-Turn of River. He left a brief career on Wall Street to teach middle school math in Harlem.  Within a few years, at 26, Simmons became one of the youngest acting school principals in New York.  Later, he went on to serve in Gov. Ne…

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by Vira Mamchur Schwartz
News
Connecticut Among Top 20 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why Connecticut Among Top 20 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why
Connecticut Among Top 20 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why Connecticut continues to rank among the top 20 best states in the country. The Constitution State came in at No. 20 – down slightly from No. 16 last year – on the 2024 Best States list by U.S. News & World Report, released Tuesday, May 7. Rankings were determined using 71 metrics across eight categories, including fiscal stability, infrastructure, education, health care, and the economy. Data was pulled from national surveys taken by nearly 70,000 people. Connecticut made the top 10 in health care (No. 3), crime & corrections (No. 6), and education (No. 8), according to the report.…

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by Michael Mashburn
Traffic
3-Year Bridge Replacement Over I-95 To Snag Traffic In Westchester 3-Year Bridge Replacement Over I-95 To Snag Traffic In Westchester
3-Year Bridge Replacement Over I-95 To Snag Traffic In Westchester A three-year project to replace a bridge over I-95 in Westchester County will cause various delays and closures until it is completed.  The project, which will cost $31.8 million, will replace the 65-year-old North Avenue Bridge in New Rochelle that travels over I-95, according to the New York Thruway Authority.  The bridge is currently estimated to be used by an average of 20,000 drivers per day and connects North Avenue, Garden Street, and Burling Lane. The ultimate goal of the replacement is to increase the bridge's vertical clearance to 16' 6" from the current height of 14" 3', as wel…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Swatch Of Ocean Off Long Island's South Shore Could Become Biden Administration Wind Zone Swatch Of Ocean Off Long Island's South Shore Could Become Biden Administration Wind Zone
Swatch Of Ocean Off Long Island's South Shore Could Become Biden Administration Wind Zone President Joe Biden’s administration is planning a massive “wind energy area” in the New York Bight between the South Shore of Long Island and the New Jersey coast. According to reports, in an effort to make his lofty goal of making the nation's electricity sector carbon neutral by 2035, Biden’s administration is set to start selling leases in the area to promote clean energy. According to reports, constructing the offshore turbines would create approximately 32,000 jobs between 2022 and 2030 with 6,000 permanent jobs when the project is complete.

 “President Biden believes we have an eno…

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by Zak Failla
News
Traffic Advisory Issued As New Amazon Distribution Center In Fairfield County Nears Opening Traffic Advisory Issued As New Amazon Distribution Center In Fairfield County Nears Opening
Traffic Advisory Issued As New Amazon Distribution Center In Fairfield County Nears Opening As Amazon is nearing completion of a multi-million dollar warehouse and distribution facility in Fairfield County, motorists are being warned to be aware of changing traffic conditions. Those conditions will bring increased volume at the site in Trumbull on Main Street (Route 25) near the Monroe town line, Trumbull Police said. Although an official opening date has not yet been announced, residents and motorists traveling in the area of Main Street and Spring Hill Road will notice more activity as the extensive $11 million renovation work at 7120 Main Stre…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Photos: LaGuardia Airport Unveils Big Part Of $8 Billion Facelift Photos: LaGuardia Airport Unveils Big Part Of $8 Billion Facelift
Photos: LaGuardia Airport Unveils Big Part Of $8 Billion Facelift State officials officially opened the brand-new Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall at LaGuardia Airport as they continue making progress on the $8 billion facelift of the oft-mocked airport. On Wednesday, June 10, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Rick Cotton, the Executive Director fo the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey were on hand at the new terminal to officially open the 850,000-square-foot, four-story terminal in Queens. “LaGuardia is the first new airport in the USA in 25 years … think of that. The last airport was in Denver in 1995,” Cuomo said, comparing renovating the air…

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by Zak Failla
News
Kings Highway Bridge To Be Closed For Repairs Kings Highway Bridge To Be Closed For Repairs
Kings Highway Bridge To Be Closed For Repairs A bridge in Fairfield County will be closed for several weeks as contracting crews get to work on a replacement project. Westport town officials issued an alert to area residents warning that the Kings Highway Bridge over Willow Brook will be closed as of Monday, Feb. 24 as crews begin replacing the century-old bridge. The first phase entails the installation of a 36-inch sleeve under the existing bridge, officials said. During the project, Kings Highway will have to be closed to traffic. Nearby residents and business owners will have access to the area, but the bridge will remain closed. …

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by Zak Failla
News
Connecticut Plan To Install I-684 Toll Sparks Backlash Among New Yorkers Connecticut Plan To Install I-684 Toll Sparks Backlash Among New Yorkers
Connecticut Plan To Install I-684 Toll Sparks Backlash Among New Yorkers Many New Yorkers are miffed at Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s proposal to install toll gantries on I-684, which would force some residents to have to pay a toll without traveling to or from the state. Lamont introduced his latest plan for statewide tolls, including one in a remote stretch of I-684 in Greenwich that will force motorists to pay, despite being in the state for only about one mile. The roadway is the only way to pass the area in either direction, forcing New Yorkers to pay the toll. According to a Middletown Press report, in response, angry area elected officials are banding tog…

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by Zak Failla
News
MTA To Spend Unprecedented $5 Billion For Metro-North, Including Access To Penn Station MTA To Spend Unprecedented $5 Billion For Metro-North, Including Access To Penn Station
MTA To Spend Unprecedented $5 Billion For Metro-North, Including Access To Penn Station After years of rider complaints and problems with the entire infrastructure system, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced it plans to invest an unprecedented $51.5 billion into the region’s subways, buses, and railroads over the next five years. The proposed investment is by far the highest in the MTA’s history, increasing spending on infrastructure by 70 percent over current levels.  The program plans to invest more than $40 billion in New York City Transit’s subways and buses alone – including crucial signal upgrades – as well as major investment on the Metro-North runs…

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by Kathy Reakes
Politics
More People Are Leaving NYC Than Any Other US City, New Report Says More People Are Leaving NYC Than Any Other US City, New Report Says
More People Are Leaving NYC Than Any Other US City, New Report Says The mass exodus of New Yorkers leaving New York City has hit a record pace. According to new reports, as many as 277 people are leaving New York City each day, leading all U.S. metro areas, and more than double the number recorded last year. Los Angeles and Chicago were second and third on the list, with 201 and 161 residents reportedly leaving each day. The data came from the 2018 Ceneus data on migration in the largest 100 cities in the country. Between July 2017 and July 2018, New York lost 180,306 people and gained 131,746 new residents. A difference of 48,560 abandoned New York — the …

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by Zak Failla
News
Plan Calls For Cutting Thousands Of MTA Jobs In First Significant Layoff Since 2010 Plan Calls For Cutting Thousands Of MTA Jobs In First Significant Layoff Since 2010
Plan Calls For Cutting Thousands Of MTA Jobs In First Significant Layoff Since 2010 A new reorganization plan from the MTA may lead to the loss of as many as 2,700 jobs. Consulting group AlixPartners released a new report stating that the new reorganization plan may leave thousands out of work, while saving the MTA upwards of $350 to $500 million annually. It would be the MTA's first significant round of layoffs since 2010. Under the plan, as many as 1,900 to 2,700 jobs may be eliminated, including some through mass layoffs - though officials note the process could take at least two years to implement. The proposal represents approximately a 4 percent decrease in the …

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by Zak Failla
News
Metro-North Service Will Be Affected During Bridge Replacement Work In Stamford Metro-North Service Will Be Affected During Bridge Replacement Work In Stamford
Metro-North Service Will Be Affected During Bridge Replacement Work In Stamford Contracting crews with the Connecticut Department of Transportation are gearing up to kick off the Atlantic Street Bridge replacement project in Stamford. The MTA Metro-North Railroad issued an alert stating that on Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23, CTDOT crews will begin work to replace the bridge in the east end of the station. The prep work will reduce the number of main-line tracks available in Stamford from five to two. it will also constrain the railroad’s ability to move trains into and out of Stamford Yard, one of the two major train-servicing facilities on the New Haven Line.…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
New Train Station In Bridgeport Is Part Of Lamont's Toll Proposal New Train Station In Bridgeport Is Part Of Lamont's Toll Proposal
New Train Station In Bridgeport Is Part Of Lamont's Toll Proposal Several new train stations may be coming to Connecticut - including one in Fairfield County - under Gov. Ned Lamont’s toll plan proposal. Earlier this month, the governor released a 24-page preliminary draft of his electronic highway tolling plan, which calls for no more than 50 gantries on Interstates 91, 95, 84, and along Route 15, which includes the Merritt and Wilbur Cross parkways. As part of the proposal, new train stations would be constructed in Bridgeport, Hartford and Newington, though that plan has reportedly come under fire. According to reports, Republicans in Connecticut are f…

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by Zak Failla
Traffic
Roadwork Alert: I-95 Stretch Will Be Shut Down Both Ways For Bridge Replacement Roadwork Alert: I-95 Stretch Will Be Shut Down Both Ways For Bridge Replacement
Roadwork Alert: I-95 Stretch Will Be Shut Down Both Ways For Bridge Replacement Motorists have been advised to avoid a stretch of I-95 as contractors prepare to kick off work on an overpass that is getting a multi-million dollar overhaul in the area, likely leading to lengthy delays for drivers passing through the area. The Connecticut State Department of Transportation announced plans to replace the Route 1 overpass at Exit 9 in Stamford with a new steel and concrete structure over the summer. Construction is scheduled for the weekends of Friday, May 31 and Friday, June 7 and is expected to cost approximately $15 million. The DOT said that the project will be using an…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
New Lamont Plan Calls For 'No More Than 50' Toll Locations New Lamont Plan Calls For 'No More Than 50' Toll Locations
New Lamont Plan Calls For 'No More Than 50' Toll Locations Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s plans for tolls on state highways is coming together, though they’ve been deferred to a special session over the summer. The governor released a 24-page preliminary draft of his electronic highway tolling plan, which calls for no more than 50 gantries on Interstates 91, 95, 84, and along Route 15, which includes the Merritt and Wilbur Cross parkways. Motorists who use a Connecticut EZ-Pass and a frequent user discount could expect to pay roughly 25 to 30 cents per gantry, or 4.4 cents per mile during peak hours and 3.5 cents during off-peak hours. Out of state…

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by Zak Failla
Business
CT Has More Fortune 1000 Companies Per Capita Than Any Other State, Report Says CT Has More Fortune 1000 Companies Per Capita Than Any Other State, Report Says
CT Has More Fortune 1000 Companies Per Capita Than Any Other State, Report Says A new report has shed some light on the business landscape of the Nutmeg State, claiming that it has more Fortune 1000 companies per capita than any other state. The report, published in U.S. News, used more than 70 metrics to measure where exactly each state falls in categories like healthcare, education, economy, crime, environment, infrastructure and more. Connecticut moved up three spots to No. 21 in this year’s list of the best states, putting it fourth among New England states. Perhaps the most surprising ranking is the state’s No. 1 position in the subcategory of top company headqua…

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by Valerie Musson
Politics
Petition Against Tolls On CT State Highways Collects 100,000 Signatures Petition Against Tolls On CT State Highways Collects 100,000 Signatures
Petition Against Tolls On CT State Highways Collects 100,000 Signatures A grassroots coalition opposed to Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s plan to implement tolls on state highways submitted a petition with 100,000 signatures to the Capitol building on Thursday, May 9. In March, the Transportation Committee passed Lamont’s proposal and two separate committee plans by a vote of 23-13, which includes installing tolls on Interstates 91, 95, 84 and along parts of the Merritt and Wilbur Cross parkways. The tolls are expected to generate an estimated $800 million in revenue annually. In total, no more than 50 potential toll-collecting gantries are expected to be erecte…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
You May Soon Have To Pay $10 To Drive Into Manhattan Under New Congestion Pricing Plan You May Soon Have To Pay $10 To Drive Into Manhattan Under New Congestion Pricing Plan
You May Soon Have To Pay $10 To Drive Into Manhattan Under New Congestion Pricing Plan Driving in Manhattan has always been a frustrating endeavor. It may about to become more costly, as well. New York State lawmakers have expressed support for a “congestion pricing” plan, which could charge motorists a fee to enter certain parts of Manhattan. The proposal comes as the city faces a massive shortfall in funds to repair Manhattan’s subway system and improve infrastructure. If approved, motorists would be charged when their vehicle entered the most frequented spots in Manhattan, according to reports released this week. It is estimated that it may cost more than $10 to drive fro…

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by Zak Failla
News
Preliminary Toll Price Points Unveiled For CT Roadways Preliminary Toll Price Points Unveiled For CT Roadways
Preliminary Toll Price Points Unveiled For CT Roadways As Connecticut continues to dig out of a statewide debt, the Department of Transportation has laid out its preliminary proposed price point for tolls on major Connecticut roadways. Officials announced that they are looking to charge drivers 4.4 cents per mile during peak hours, and 3.5 cents per mile during off-peak hours, though they are still mulling their final plan. During his speech announcing his proposed state budget, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont laid out plans for 53 potential toll-collecting gantries on I-84, I-91, I-95, the Merritt and Wilbur parkways that could bring in an estimat…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Mold Task Force Issues Update On Westover Magnet School Status Mold Task Force Issues Update On Westover Magnet School Status
Mold Task Force Issues Update On Westover Magnet School Status A Fairfield County elementary school that was shut down for the year following mold concerns will remain closed for another year, officials announced. In November, the Stamford School District announced it would be indefinitely closing Westover Magnet Elementary School following an inspection and air quality tests that discovered that the building was infested by mold. The district was hopeful of reopening in September, on time for the 2019-2020 academic year, but determined that timetable was “too aggressive.” The Mold Task Force, which includes representatives from the city and schoo…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
10-Point Plan To 'Transform' MTA Unveiled By Cuomo, de Blasio 10-Point Plan To 'Transform' MTA Unveiled By Cuomo, de Blasio
10-Point Plan To 'Transform' MTA Unveiled By Cuomo, de Blasio Elected officials in New York have reached an agreement on a new plan to “transform” travel in the state. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio have introduced a 10-point proposal to transform the MTA and create “dedicated and sustained funding streams for the agency.” The plan includes “congestion” tolling and a reorganization of the MTA. The proposal would see tolls vary based on the time of day, with the prices being set next year and introduced in 2021. According to reports, the lawmakers have suggested that some of the resulting tax revenue from potentially …

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by Zak Failla
News
New Days-Long Hutch Closure Scheduled New Days-Long Hutch Closure Scheduled
New Days-Long Hutch Closure Scheduled Get set for a new closure last over several days on a stretch of the Hutchinson River Parkway. Motorists have been advised that beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14, the Hutchinson River Parkway will be closed in Mount Vernon and Pelham between exit 6 (I-95) and Exit 15 (Cross County Parkway). The closure is scheduled to conclude at 5 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 17, in advance of the morning commute. Northbound traffic on the parkway will be detoured at the I-95 interchange. Southbound traffic will be diverted to the Cross County Parkway and the Bronx River Parkway. All ramps to the Hutchinson …

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by Zak Failla
News
Bridgeport To Get $14.6M For Infrastructure, Economic Development Projects From State Bridgeport To Get $14.6M For Infrastructure, Economic Development Projects From State
Bridgeport To Get $14.6M For Infrastructure, Economic Development Projects From State The state bond commission has officially approved a $14.6 million award the City of Bridgeport to be used for infrastructure and economic development. Mayor Joe Ganim attended the Tuesday, Dec. 11 state bond commission meeting, and a number of projects’ funding has already been approved. The Sikorsky airport will receive $7 million in infrastructure improvements, and the Congress Street Bridge will get $3.7 million for reconstruction. Additionally, $2.28 is allocated to supporting Bridgeport’s “coastal resiliency.” The approved bonding also allocates $1 million to the demolition of the for…

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by Valerie Musson
News
MTA Plans New Rate Hike, Citing 'Very Difficult Economic Times' MTA Plans New Rate Hike, Citing 'Very Difficult Economic Times'
MTA Plans New Rate Hike, Citing 'Very Difficult Economic Times' Travelers can expect a hike in prices as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority proposes a rise in fares and tolls for the coming year to cover rising expenses. Citing projected declines in revenues and increases in cost for providing services, the MTA announced that it will require “fare and toll adjustment and new sustainable revenue sources in order to avert significant service cuts and layoffs.” “In the face of very difficult economic times, we’re aggressively pursuing cost savings and identifying efficiencies while we work hard to create the renewed and modernized public transportat…

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by Zak Failla
Traffic
Roadwork Alert: New Closure For Hutchinson River Parkway Stretch Will Last Over Four Days Roadwork Alert: New Closure For Hutchinson River Parkway Stretch Will Last Over Four Days
Roadwork Alert: New Closure For Hutchinson River Parkway Stretch Will Last Over Four Days More lane closures have been announced on the Hutchinson River Parkway. Motorists have been advised that beginning at 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2, the Hutchinson River Parkway will be closed between exit 6 (I-95) and Exit 15 (Cross County Parkway). The closure is scheduled to conclude at 5 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 5, in advance of the morning commute. Northbound traffic on the parkway will be detoured at the I-95 interchange. Southbound traffic will be diverted to the Cross County Parkway and the Bronx River Parkway. All ramps to the Hutchinson River Parkway south of the East 3rd Street overpass …

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by Zak Failla
Traffic
Hutchinson River Parkway Stretch Will Be Closed Over Four-Day Period Hutchinson River Parkway Stretch Will Be Closed Over Four-Day Period
Hutchinson River Parkway Stretch Will Be Closed Over Four-Day Period The planned closure of a stretch of the Hutchinson River Parkway that had to be postponed has been rescheduled in Westchester. Last month, the New York State Department of Transportation announced plans for a closure of the parkway on the final weekend of September as part of an ongoing bridge replacement near the Pelham and Mount Vernon border. But the work was postponed and now, the NYSDOT has rescheduled the closure. Motorists have been advised that beginning at 11 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, the Hutchinson River Parkway will be closed between exit 6 (I-95) and exit 15 (Cross County Parkwa…

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by Zak Failla
Traffic
Planned Three-Day Closure Of Hutchinson River Parkway Stretch Postponed Planned Three-Day Closure Of Hutchinson River Parkway Stretch Postponed
Planned Three-Day Closure Of Hutchinson River Parkway Stretch Postponed The planned three-day closure of a stretch of the Hutchinson River Parkway this weekend for an ongoing bridge replacement project in Westchester has been postponed, according to the State Department of Transportation. The department did not give a reason for the postponement and noted the roadwork has been postponed until further notice. The project will replace the East 3rd Street bridge, which carries East Lincoln Avenue over the Hutchinson River Parkway, near the border of Pelham and Mount Vernon. The closure had been planned to start at 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28 and last through 5 a.m.…

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by Daily Voice
News
300-Plus CT Bridges Are Structurally Deficient, Report Says 300-Plus CT Bridges Are Structurally Deficient, Report Says
300-Plus CT Bridges Are Structurally Deficient, Report Says A total of 308 local and state-maintained bridges in Connecticut are structurally deficient, meaning there is significant deterioration to the major components of the bridge. The report from TRIP, a national transportation research group, was released Thursday, Sept. 20 in Hartford. According to this new report, 61 of Fairfield County's bridges are deficient.  Other key facts in the report: There are a total of 4,254 bridges in Connecticut  Structurally deficient bridges in Connecticut are crossed daily by 4.3 million vehicles. Redirected trips also lengthen travel time, waste fuel and r…

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by Jon Craig
Lifestyle
'Pop Would Not Have Liked This,' Says Chris Cuomo About New TZB Official Name 'Pop Would Not Have Liked This,' Says Chris Cuomo About New TZB Official Name
'Pop Would Not Have Liked This,' Says Chris Cuomo About New TZB Official Name Related story: Cuomo Administration Offered Contractor Incentives To Get New TZB Second Span Opened Before Primary, Report Says The name of the new Tappan Zee Bridge has stirred up controversy in the Cuomo family as well as with plenty of residents who have gone so far as to petition for the old name to remain. Chris Cuomo, a CNN anchor and younger brother of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, took to Instagram to say he had mixed emotions when the old sign came down and the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge sign went up on Friday. "Pop would not have liked this," Chris Cuomo wrote. "He would’ve l…

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by Kathy Reakes