?tate of 
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
STATE CAPITOL
HARTFORD. CONNECTICUT 061064591

January 13, 2016

David Sawicki

Of?ce of the State Traf?c Administration
Connecticut Department of Transportation
2800 Berlin Turnpike

Newington, CT 06131

Dear Mr. Sawicki,

In the wake of several accidents along 1-95 Northbound between exits 70 72, we would like to
formally request a speed limit reduction of 15 miles per hour from 65 to 50 miles per hour. We
believe this change should start at the beginning of the Baldwin Bridge before exit 70 and go
through to the area where the speed limit already becomes 50 (by exit 74 in East Lyme) and
beyond as you see ?t (certainly past the 1?95/395 interchange). We also believe, ifapproved,
there should be clear signs warning drivers of the upcoming speed change, since many will not
be used to it.

As you probably know, this stretch, particularly between exits 7O 72, is extremely dangerous
for various reasons speeding on 95, the quick reduction after the Baldwin Bridge from 4 lanes
to 2, tight corners, etc. The New London Day has said this stretch is the ?most dangerous in the
state east of the Connecticut River?. There are many accidents along this stretch, year?after?year,
and some have resulted in deaths. On August 15, 2015 two women were killed along it and, just
two days ago, January 1 1, 2016, two women were killed as well. In addition, there was another
horri?c tractor trailer accident yesterday, January 12, 2016.

This speed limit reduction would help improve the safety of our citizens, ?rst responders, and
commuters/tourists who frequently drive through our region, not to mention reduce traf?c along
95 after an accident and, as a result, along Route 1 in Old Lyme and East Lyme. It is a piece of a
larger issue that will also take lane expansion and extra police to but the one problem area
we can change now is the speed reduction component. We feel the state must do something or
else there will continue to be unnecessary fatalities and accidents.

Thank you for the consideration. If you have any questions, please do not hes' 9 contact us.

   

Sincerely
Representative Devin Carney  Senator Paul Formica
23rd District State Representative 20?h District State Senator

CC: The Of?ce of Governor Dannei P. Malloy

CC: James Redeker, Commissioner of the DOT

CC: Representative Tony Guerrera, House Chairman of the Transportation Committee
CC: Senator Andy Maynard, Senate Chairman of the Transportation Committee