Senator Fasano, Representative Fontana Announce Plans for Increased Safety Measures on I-91

Hartford, CT – State Senator Len Fasano (R-34) and Representative Steve Fontana (D-87) applauded new efforts by the state Department of Transportation Wednesday to improve safety along I-91. The State DOT announced this week it will develop plans to install and upgrade new guide railings in a number of Connecticut communities. Upgrades would be done on guide railings in Meriden, Wallingford and Cromwell. Additionally, median guides would be installed on I-91 in Wallingford, North Haven and Rocky Hill.

Last year, Senator Fasano joined North Haven Fire Chief Vincent Landisio and Representative Steve Fontana (D-87) in a push to upgrade and install the guide rails after a recent increase in accidents, many of which were fatal.

“Accidents on our state’s roads do happen. Some are, no doubt, the result of careless driving,” said Senator Fasano. “But some we can help prevent. Tools like these guide rails will help to reduce the number and severity of accidents along this busy stretch of road.”

North Haven Fire Chief Vincent Landisio believes the guide rails are essential to public safety. “Since I was appointed chief in 2003, my department has seen dozens of accidents on this roadway,” said Chief Vincent Landisio. “In the event of a crash, these guide rails will help to keep cars from going off the road and, in the case of the median guides, help to reduce the number of so-called cross-over accidents where a car ends up on the other side of the road. I’d like to thank the Department of Transportation, as well as Senator Fasano and Representative Fontana, for their help in getting this project off the ground.”

“Chief Landisio deserves great credit for bringing this serious public safety issue to our attention,” said Representative Fontana. “Making this relatively minor and cost-effective improvement to a highway that so many people use everyday will save lives and countless, needless injuries.”

State Transportation officials say 90% of the project will be funded by the federal government. The State of Connecticut will pay the remaining ten percent. In addition, they say construction could begin in early spring 2010.

Senator Len Fasano (R- North Haven) is Minority Leader Pro Tempore of the Connecticut State Senate. He is a ranking member on the General Assembly’s Planning and Development and Veterans committees. He also serves on the committees on General Law, Public Health and Executive Nominations. Senator Fasano represents the 34th District towns of East Haven, North Haven and Wallingford.

Representative Fontana (D- North Haven) chairs the Energy and Technology Committee. He also sits on the Insurance & Real Estate and Transportation committees. He represents the 87th District town of North Haven.