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P R E S S R E L E A S E
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East Street NY VanPool Program Launches
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October 23,2002
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NYSDOT Unveils Traffic Congestion Reducer
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White Plains, NY,�You can if you van was the echo today in White Plains as New York State Department of Transportation representatives and elected officials from Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess and Putnam Counties unveiled a fleet of brightly colored vans in the dramatic launch of a program aimed at reducing commuter traffic on Interstate 287.
Easy Street NY offers employers and commuters an opportunity to improve the quality of the I-287 commute through vanpooling and train/bus shuttle programs.
NYSDOT's Commissioner Joseph H. Boardman said, "Under Governor Pataki's leadership the Department of Transportation continues to support these smart investments into our transportation infrastructure. Reducing traffic congestion will help companies attract and retain employees in the Hudson Valley."
�Easy Street NY provides a low-cost, high-value benefit to commuters and companies in the crowded I-287 corridor,� said Robert A. Dennison, Region 8 Director, NYSDOT. �It offers an innovative way to reduce single occupancy vehicle use and improve the commuting experience.�
�This is a positive step toward developing solutions to traffic congestion that will also help companies in Westchester County attract and retain employees,� said Andrew Spano, Westchester County Executive. �Easy Street NY offers a host of benefits to commuters and it helps preserve the economic vitality of the important I-287 corridor.�
�Easy Street NY provides a region-wide, long-term, environmentally-sustainable solution to move commuters along the corridor to worksites in Westchester County,� said Scott Vanderhoef, Rockland County Executive. �It offers a low-cost/high-value benefit to commuters who live in Rockland County, as well as Orange, Dutchess and Putnam.�
�Commuters in Putnam County can benefit from this vital new program,� said Putnam County Executive Robert J. Bondi. �It offers an important combination of economy and flexibility to the taxpayers of this region.�
Orange County Executive Edward Diana called Easy Street NY �good news for Orange County commuters. This program promises improvements to the commute and lower costs for commuters, with no cost to taxpayers.�
Individuals and employers interested in vanpooling need only say so, either by calling 1-800 FIND RIDE or by visiting a Web site, www.EasyStreetny.com and the staff at MetroPool, the mobility solutions organization coordinating the program, will go to work to coordinate a van program to meet their needs. The web site includes a unique discussion form where commuters can share ideas and experiences about vanpooling and other forms of commuting.
�Vanpoolers enjoy convenience and safety benefits and a reduction in maintenance costs on their own vehicles. Instead of worrying about the drive to work, vanpoolers can read, pop open a laptop, chat with their vanpool buddies or even catch up on their sleep,� said Larry Salley, Commissioner, Westchester County Department of Transportation.
�It�s easy to join a vanpool,� said John Lyons, President, MetroPool. �It takes no work on the part of the commuter. On top of that, it saves time, money and stress.�
For a fixed low monthly fare, seven to twelve commuters share the ride from home or a centrally located park and ride lot, with the monthly fare computed to include mileage, van costs, insurance, fuel, tolls, maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance. Drivers are pre-screened, and an orientation meeting is held for each vanpool group to provide information and answer questions.
Under Easy Street NY, MetroPool will also work with employers, property managers, municipalities and others to establish connections between residences or park and ride lots and area train or bus stations and between stations and work sites or corporate parks. The program will be coordinated with area transit operators to avoid duplication of service.
If their employer has a Commuter Choice or Commute-n-Save program, vanpoolers can also set aside up to $100 per month tax-free to pay for their vanpool fares.
Easy Street NY is a not-for-profit initiative sponsored by the New York State Department of Transportation and is administered by MetroPool, Inc.
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Progress Continues On Nighttime Work Being Conducted on I-95, The Merritt Parkway And I-84
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September 10, 2002
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Work will continue to be conducted during off-peak and overnight hours
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Stamford, Conn- Progress continues to be made on construction projects taking place along I-95, the Merritt Parkway and I-84 Connecticut Department of Transportation officials announced.
Work that has been taking place on I-95 in Stamford, Norwalk/Darien and Bridgeport, The Merritt Parkway in Greenwich, and on I-84 in Southbury, during the summer months will continue Monday through Friday, during overnight and off-peak travel times.
The work on I-95 in Stamford between Exits 6 & 9. includes, milling and paving and median barrier improvement work expected to continued until July, 2003. Motorists can anticipate overnight lane closures to continue until then.
Stage two of the I-95 Norwalk/Darien Rehabilitation Project is underway. This stage calls for the rehabilitation of the shoulder area on I-95 between Exits 11 and 13 and the milling and paving of I-95, in each direction, between Exits 14 and 15. This work requires overnight lane closures southbound between 7:00 pm and 6:00 AM and northbound between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am. The entire project is expected to be completed in November, 2004.
A milling, paving and bridge deck repairs operation continues northbound and southbound on I-95, between Exits 24 and 23, and is scheduled to last until October, 2002. Overnight lane closures are scheduled to occur Monday through Thursday, and motorists should be aware of a rough road surface as a result of the milling and paving operations.
Additionally, two-year $19 million interchange improvement project is taking place between Exits 28 & 33 on the Merritt Parkway in Greenwich. New acceleration lanes from the on and off ramps are being upgraded, and the roadway will be resurfaced along with other planned safety improvements. Additionally, the existing landscape will also be rehabilitated in accordance with the "Merritt Parkway Landscape Master Plan�. Off-peak and nighttime lane closures will continue until the project�s scheduled completion date in June, 2004. Rock blasting and clean-up operations Monday through Friday, from 9:30 AM to 1 PM will be conducted intermittently and will require intermittent traffic stoppages of up to 15 minutes in each direction.
Lastly, nighttime roadwork is taking place eastbound and westbound on I-84 between the Housatonic River and 16, from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Monday through Friday, for resurfacing and other safety improvements. Overnight lane closures and closure of the shoulders can be expected until the project is completed in November 2003.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation appreciates your patience while the aforementioned work is conducted and asks that exercise extreme caution when traveling through all construction work zones.
For additional information on construction projects in Lower Fairfield County, contact MetroPool at 1-800-FIND-RIDE or visit www.metropool.com.
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PORTION OF PEDESTRIAN TUNNEL AT STAMFORD TRANSPORTATION
CENTER TO BE CLOSED BEGINNING MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2002
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August 8, 2002
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Closure to last through end of September, 2002
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Stamford, Conn- Connecticut Department of Transportation officials have announced that a portion of the pedestrian tunnel that runs under the railroad at the Stamford Transportation center, will be closed to all pedestrian traffic beginning Monday, August 12,2002, at 9:30 AM, as progress continues on the Stamford Train Station Enhancement Project.
The tunnel is being closed to complete the last section of the rebuilding of the tunnel. This stage of the closure is expected to last until the end of September,2002, when the tunnel will be reopened to pedestrians.
During the closure, pedestrians are asked to use the station concourse to cross between the north side and south side of the station to board trains. Pedestrians may also use the Washington Boulevard pedestrian walkway and the Atlantic Street underpass.
Station announcements and directional signs will advise passengers on the best passages through the station. There maybe platform changes during off-peak hours and at night accordingly, passengers should allow for some extra time in arriving for their train.
For more information on the Stamford Train Station Enhancement Program or other Connecticut Department of Transportation construction projects in Fairfield County, visit www.metropool.com or call MetroPool at 324-6700, or outside the local Stamford calling area at 1-800-FIND-RIDE (1-800-346-3743).
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Progress Continues On The I-95 Darien/Norwalk Median Improvement Project With A Shift To second stage Of Work on July 15,2002
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July 8, 2002
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Overnight, off-peak lane closures to continue Monday through Friday.
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Darien/Norwalk, CT�Connecticut Department of Transportation officials have announced that the I-95 median improvement project in Darien and Norwalk is scheduled to advance to stage two on Monday, July 15, 2002.
The first stage of the project, which began this April, has consisted of the rehabilitation of the shoulder areas on I-95, northbound and southbound, between Exits 13 and 15.
The second stage will see a continuation of this work, south of the original location, with shoulder rehabilitation scheduled to take place between Exits 11 and 13, both northbound and southbound. Crews will also begin the process of milling the roadway, in each direction, between Exits 14 and 15, in order to rehabilitate the existing concrete and overlay with asphalt pavement.
Off peak lane closures on I-95 are still scheduled to occur from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am southbound and from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am northbound Monday through Thursday.
The project, which is scheduled to be completed in November, 2004, calls for the reconstruction of the median areas, improved drainage systems, new concrete barriers as well as the milling and resurfacing of I-95, in each direction, from Exit 10 through Exit 15.
Motorists are advised to exercise extra caution when traveling through this and all other construction zones, and to allow for extra time to arrive at their destinations.
Information on this and other construction projects in Lower Fairfield County can be obtained by contacting MetroPool at 1-800-FIND-RIDE or at www.metropool.com.
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Construction Completed on Eastbound Center Island Platform At Stamford Train Station
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July 3, 2002
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Work marks significant progress on the Stamford Train Station Enhancement Project
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Stamford, CT� Connecticut Department of Transportation officials have announced that construction on the eastbound center Island platform has been completed as progress continues on the Stamford Train Station Enhancement Program, and is scheduled to be opened to the public on Friday, July 5, 2002.
The opening of the new platform will change the access routes and boarding patterns for some commuters, and as a result additional travel time should be planned to allow for time to board trains and listen to public address announcements for instructions and additional information.
The new eastbound center platform, which services tracks 2 and 4, is accessible from the concourse level of the station via the stairway, escalators or elevator. The platform can also be accessed from a stairway located at the pedestrian tunnel, which runs underneath the station.
The Department of Transportation appreciates the patience and understanding of commuters and other station customers during this project.
For more information on this program or other Connecticut Department of Transportation construction projects in Fairfield County, log onto MetroPool�s website at; www.metropool.com or call MetroPool to speak to one of their consultants, free of charge, at 324-6700 or outside the local Stamford calling area at 1-800-FIND-RIDE. (1-800-346-3743).
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Progress Continues on the I-95 Bridgeport Reconstruction Project With A Milling,Paving And Bridge Deck Repair Project.
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July 11, 2002
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Paving Milling and Deck Repairs taking place.
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Bridgeport, Connecticut- Connecticut Department of Transportation officials have announced that as progress continues on the final phase of the I-95 Bridgeport Reconstruction program, a milling, paving and bridge deck repair project recently commenced between Exits 24 and 23.
The operation is scheduled to take place during the overnight hours on I-95 northbound and southbound, between Exits 24 and 23, and is scheduled to be completed in October, 2002.
Motorists should allow for extra travel time traveling due to the scheduled overnight lane closures and a rough road surface as a result of the milling and paving operation.
Each phase of the I-95 Reconstruction Program carries the same goal, to minimize the impact to the traveling public along I-95. As a result, work on the highway is scheduled to be performed during non-peak hours. Additionally, work requiring I-95 lane closures will not be permitted on weekends from Memorial Day, 2002 through Labor Day, 2002, from mid-night Friday through mid-night Sunday.
The �blue� project calls for the re-construction of the roadway and the nine bridges between the Fairfield town line and Wordin Avenue, including new full shoulders and operational lanes. Renovations are also planned to both Pine Street and Cherry Street that will ultimately allow for the construction of a single span structure over Bostwick Avenue, and is being performed in two stages, with the first stage set for completion in late May, 2003 with the entire project scheduled to be done in late December of the following year.
For more information on the I-95 Bridgeport Reconstruction Program visit MetroPool�s website (www.metropool.com) or (www.bridgeportcorridor.com). Or call MetroPool toll free at 1-800-FIND-RIDE.
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Ramp To I-95 Southbound From Myrtle Avenue Re-Opened After Two-Year Closure
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May 2, 2002
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Bridgeport, Conn - Connecticut Department of Transportation officials have announced that the ramp to I-95 southbound from Myrtle Avenue re-opened Friday, May 3,2002 at 4:00 PM, as progress continues on the I-95 Bridgeport Reconstuction Project.
The ramp has been closed to traffic since May 12, 2000, in order to construct a widened portion of I-95 along with the new Rt.8 South to I-95 South overpass.
The work also marks the culmination of a successful traffic shift that took place in April, invloving work on I-95 in the Southbound direction only. The extent of the traffic shift (or realignment) was from Exit 27 to Exit 26. Southbound traffic was taken off of the old Bridge No. 105 (I-95 over Metro North Railroad) and placed on to the newly widened structure.
Also, the new Exit 26 South off-ramp to Wordin Avenue was opened to traffic at the end of this traffic shift.
The I-95 Bridgeport Corridor project consists of seven (7) Stages: 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B. The corridor project is now into the Stage 2B alignment and is over 60% complete.
For the safety of the public, City of Bridgeport and State Police and construction workers, motorists are urged to proceed with caution and to obey reduced work-zone speed limits posted in this construction area, throughout the I-95 corridor in Bridgeport and at all other road construction sites.
Additional information on the I-95 Bridgeport Reconstruction Program is available on line at www.bridgeportcorridor.com . You may also contact MetroPool to receive future notices and information about this program. Contact MetroPool at 324-6700 or outside the local Stamford calling area at 1-800-FIND-RIDE, or visit MetroPool�s website at www.metropool.com.
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Traffic Diversions in Place on Bostwick Avenue, Railroad Avenue
And Cherry Street Until Further Notice As Crews Repair A Damaged Sewer Line.
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April 26,2002.
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Alternate Routes to be posted.
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Bridgeport, Conn - Connecticut Department of Transportation officials have announced that traffic has been diverted until further notice from the following roadways. Bostwick Avenue, from Railroad Avenue to Pine Street, Railroad Ave from Fairfield Avenue to Bostwick Avenue and Cherry Street from Hancock Street to Bostwick Avenue.
The diversions are necessary to allow crews the necessary time to repair a damaged sewer line that leads to the West Side water treatment facility.
Motorists are advised to follow posted detour signs patterns, use when traveling through this other construction work areas.
For the safety of the public, City of Bridgeport and State Police and the construction workers, motorists are urged to proceed with caution and to obey reduced work-zone speed limits posted in this construction area, throughout the I-95 corridor in Bridgeport and at all other road construction sites.
Additional information on the I-95 Bridgeport Reconstruction Program is available on line at www.bridgeportcorridor.com . You may also contact MetroPool to receive future notices and information about this program. Contact MetroPool at 324-6700 or outside the local Stamford calling area at 1-800-FIND-RIDE, or visit MetroPool�s website at www.metropool.com.
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Work on the Route 15 & 111 interchange continues
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July 11, 2002
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Project to take 3 years to complete
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Trumbull, CT�Connecticut Department of Transportation officials have announced work designed to enhance the Route 15 and 111 interchange in Trumbull, continues.
Motorists are reminded that the vertical clearance on Route 15 under the Route 111 bridge has been reduced to 10 feet. The reduction is due to temporary scaffolding that has been erected under the bridge in conjunction with the $10 million interchange project. It is expected that the reduced clearance will remain in effect through spring, 2003.
The work is taking place at Exit 48 on Route 15 and is scheduled to be completed in September,2004.
The contract that calls for the complete re-configuration of the interchange has been awarded to O&G; Industries, Inc. of Torrington, Connecticut, and will cost $9.83 million to build.
Lane restrictions during the duration of the project will generally be limited to off-peak and nighttime hours.
For more information on this and other construction projects in Lower Fairfield County, contact MetroPool at 1-800-FIND-RIDE or by visiting MetroPool�s website at www.metropool.com.
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Cherry Street permanently closed as progress continues on the I-95 Bridgeport Project.
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November 1, 2001
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Traffic will utilize the newly created Pine Street
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Bridgeport, Conn � Connecticut Department of Transportation officials have announced that Cherry Street will be permanently closed between Pine Street and Bostwick Avenue, beginning Saturday morning, October 27,2001, at 10:00 AM, as progress continues on the I-95 Bridgeport Reconstruction Project.
Traffic will be diverted onto the newly created extension of Pine Street via southbound Bostwick Avenue where motorists will then be able to access Pine Street. Local access will continue to be provided to local businesses however.
VMS (Variable Message Signs) will be posted alerting motorists of the impending closure and associated detour route.
For the safety of the public and construction workers, motorists also are urged to proceed with caution and obey reduced work-zone speed limits posted in this and other construction sites.
For more information on the I-95 Bridgeport Reconstruction Program visit MetroPool�s website (www.metropool.com) or (www.bridgeportcorridor.com). Or call MetroPool toll free at 1-800-FIND-RIDE.
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MetroPool Appoints New President
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May 21, 2001
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John Lyons to lead mobility solution company
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Stamford, CT � MetroPool, Inc., the region�s leader in providing mobility solutions, has appointed John Lyons as president, announced Jacqueline Allen, chair of the board of directors. Lyons was director of corporate sales and development for the firm since 1999.
�Mr. Lyons came to MetroPool with a strong and diverse management background, and has formed critical relationships with employers in this region�, said Allen. �He is uniquely qualified to lead this organization in implementing our strategic plan and fulfilling our mission statement to improve an individual�s commute by promoting alternatives to driving alone�.
Lyons most recently managed MetroPool�s six regional offices and was responsible for client outreach and service delivery to regional employers. He was a member of the senior management team that developed MetroPool�s current strategic plan, and has represented MetroPool with Connecticut and New York Departments of Transportation, transit and planning authorities, and other public and private partners.
Before joining MetroPool, Lyons held management and consulting positions in construction and economic development here and in Russia. He headed his own firm promoting energy conservation in architectural design, and directed programs that assisted Russian businesses to operate in the post-Soviet economy. He is a graduate of Williams College with a bachelor�s degree in American Studies and Environmental Studies.
�I am excited about taking a leadership role in the transportation management industry at a time when traffic congestion has become such a critical issue for employers and commuters in this region,� said Lyons. �We are initiating many new programs under our new strategic plan that gives MetroPool the opportunity to positively affect commuters� experiences, and to help employers to recruit and retain the best workers by partnering with us in these programs.�
Lyons succeeds Marsha Gordon, who resigned to become president of the County Chamber of Commerce in White Plains, New York.
MetroPool was founded in 1981 to foster better mobility in the Hudson Valley Region of New York and in Southwestern Connecticut. It provides free services to commuters and employers in order to encourage carpooling, vanpooling, using trains and buses, telecommuting and compressed work weeks.
MetroPool receives funding from the New York State and Connecticut Departments of Transportation, and also receives contributions from the private sector. It has Connecticut offices in Stamford, Danbury, Shelton and Bridgeport, and New York offices in White Plains, Pomona and Fishkill.
For information on MetroPool�s free employer or commuter services, call 1-800-FIND-RIDE or visit the website at www.metropool.com.
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Sikorksy Bridge Replacement Project
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January 26, 2001
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Tree clearing operation marks the beginning of a 40 month project to replace existing span
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Milford/Stratford, Conn�Phase one of the Sikorsky Bridge replacement project is scheduled to begin Wednesday, February 7, 2001 with a tree clearing operation, northbound on Route 15 (The Merritt Parkway) from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Connecticut Department of Transportation officials have announced.
The initial phase of the operation will be limited to the northbound lanes along Route 15, from Exit 53 to the beginning of the Sikorsky Bridge. The work will be conducted over the next several weeks and is expected to have minimal impact on traffic. Future phases of construction will involve additional tree clearing at various locations, throughout the course of the project.
Balfour Beatty Construction, Inc. is the contractor for the three phase, $ 84 million , project, which entails constructing a new bridge to replace the existing span that was first opened to the public on September 2, 1940. The plan also calls for construction of a new bicycle/pedestrian lane, separated from traffic, and connecting to Route 110, replacement of the existing steel grid surface with concrete and blacktop, full shoulder capacity to provide refuge for breakdowns and minor accidents, and a third operational lane in each direction.
For additional information on the Sikorsky Bridge Replacement project or other Connecticut Department of Transportation construction projects in Fairfield County, visit www.metropool.com or call MetroPool at (203) 324-6700 or outside the local Stamford calling area, call (1-800-346-3743).
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