House Republican Press Release

January 22, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Giuliano Hails Proposed I-95 Safety Improvements

State Rep. Marilyn Giuliano, R-23^rd District, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, lauded Gov. M. Jodi Rell for moving forward with $20 million in highway safety improvements on Interstate Route 95 east of the Connecticut River.

“Increasingly, I-95 through eastern Connecticut has been subject to traffic delays, accidents and several recent fatalities,” said Rep. Giuliano, a Republican of Old Saybrook. “On behalf of the local residents who regularly use this highway, I thank the governor for putting a high priority on I-95 safety improvements.”

Under a proposal scheduled for approval January 25 by the state Bond Commission meeting in Hartford, $20 million will be allocated for design and construction improvements between Old Lyme and Groton.

Included are:

· Installation of about 2,000 feet of concrete median barriers between exits 74 and 75 in the vicinity of a November 2007 fatal accident in East Lyme

· Design and construction of improved median barriers, guard rails, signage, lighting and paving between exit 72 and the Gold Star Bridge in Groton, and

· Design of a third lane in each direction between exits 70 and 72.

Construction on these safety improvements will begin this year and next year, while adding a third lane is a longer-term improvement.

Rep. Giuliano said, “As Governor Rell has noted, I-95 is one of the busiest routes in the nation, and it is vital that Connecticut do what is necessary improve highway safety on this roadway.”

Rep. Giuliano serves the 23^rd Assembly District of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook in the state House of Representatives.