Word of the Day: Infrastructure

Well, it’s more like the word every day for the #CTBILT team. But what exactly is infrastructure, and how will #BIL improvements change your life?

Let’s consult Merriam-Webster:?

Both definitions apply to Connecticut.

First, more than 50 projects have been identified for funding and some are now underway. These include the things we typically think of as parts of a system of public works, from repairing lead water pipes to public transit improvements.?See below:

Second, the underlying foundation of our state will vastly improve and evolve. One example is the announcement of key funding for the Gold Star Memorial Bridge. This investment has the added benefit of benefiting the #climate. Due to the bridge’s current condition, the northbound bridge is load restricted, which means that overweight vehicles are prohibited from crossing. Because of this, greenhouse gas emissions are increased through idling, as the 17-mile detour includes more than 20 traffic signals. This is a classic example of how infrastructure improvements mean so much more than traffic movement – it’s a net-positive for the environment.

Another great example is the recent influx of $2.4 million coming to the state in the form of Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grants. These funds are used for improving road safety, but the projects below are taking it one step further by looking at this work through an equity lens, improving conditions for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.?

As 2023 progresses, we’ll have even more projects to announce and share. In the new year, we want to hear from you. What infrastructure improvements do you want to see? Let us know in the comments.

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