State Representative Jason Perillo (R-113), and state Senator Dan Debicella (R-21) have proposed a new southbound entrance ramp to Route 8 at Exit 14 in Shelton. The two legislators recently testified in favor of their legislation, SB 446, An Act Concerning The Issuance Of Bonds For A Southbound Entrance Ramp To Route 8 In Shelton, before the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee.
“I believe one of our key goals is to continue economic development in Shelton while maintaining our quality of life. Our bill provides $10 million in bonding for the design and construction of a southbound entrance ramp at Exit 14. This entrance ramp will not only help with current traffic flow, but ensure that Howe Avenue and upper Bridgeport Avenue do not end up clogged during rush hour,” said Representative Perillo.
“With increasing residential and commercial development in downtown Shelton, we need to anticipate the traffic increasing on Howe Avenue and upper Bridgeport Avenue,” said Senator Debicella. “People looking to travel south on Route 8 should be able to access it directly from downtown rather than having to travel five minutes to another entrance ramp.”
Representative Perillo and Senator Debicella said that the nearest southbound entrance ramp to Route 8 is several minutes down Bridgeport Avenue at Exit 13.
“Downtown’s redevelopment is continuing its strong, positive path. We need to make sure our infrastructure will support the revitalized downtown in the decade to come,” said Senator Debicella.
However, Debicella and Perillo said that this is only the start of the proposal, and no construction is likely for years.
“Given our current fiscal situation, we do not expect to get funding this year,” said Perillo. “However, it is crucial that we get this project on the DOT’s priority list so we can obtain funding in the next few years.”
