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Connecticut Lawmakers Hit the Brakes on Tolls Plan

A proposal for electronic tolls on some of the state's major highways got sidelined in committee last week.

The plan to bring back tolls to Connecticut as a means of generating much-needed state revenues appears to have largely died in the state's General Assembly.

The legislature's transportation committee has asked for additional review of the proposal for electronic tolls, a move that would send it out to be studied for at least a year, according to the Hartford Courant.

"We were able to take the border tolls idea out of the fast lane, for now," state Sen. John Kissel, R-Enfield, told the Courant. "Tolls near the state line would impede commerce, hurt Connecticut tourism and possibly set off a toll war in New England."

Instead, the transportation committee last week raised a bill that again calls for the completion of Route 11 in Salem and to install tolls there, the Courant reported. Money raised from those tolls would repay the expense of completing the long-abandoned highway that abruptly ends in Salem.

The General Assembly last year killed a similar bill for Route 11.

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Maria Giannuzzi May 15, 2013 at 07:40 am
The problem is resurfacing all the roads in Suffield would cost a great deal of money. Suffield is aRead More big town. I do understand that some roads in Suffield do not have enough adjacent suitable land to create a separate bike lane, but I believe bike lanes could be constructed along sections of some scenic roads. Half a loaf is better than none at all. Salvatore, if you have not already been there, you may want to consider cycling on the island of Nantucket. I have not been there in years, but outside of its main town, Nantucket did offer good riding conditions and peaceful surroundings--at least when I visited.
salvatore iervolino May 14, 2013 at 09:13 pm
Thank you for your comment. Actually, I was simply suggesting that roads are resurfaced. There isn'tRead More probably enough room for bike lanes on most of these backroads, but if at least the pavement was brought to an acceptable condition, that would make biking much more pleasant (I should say "possible") and, let's not forget, much safer. Some particularly damaged areas represent a serious danger to bikers' safety.
Maria Giannuzzi May 14, 2013 at 08:10 am
There may be a solution--a compromise of sorts. Put a narrow, but well-maintained bike lane on largeRead More sections of each scenic road in town, the roads with fewer cars and trucks. Just having the bike lanes may be draw for out-of-town cyclists to visit Suffield and spend money at local businesses. Instead of attempting to change Suffield into a metropolitan area, with all the problems that brings, celebrate (and financially support) its original identity--a scenic, peaceful agricultural town with some nice amenities.
Nicole Turgeon May 17, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Are you interested in selling anything sooner? I am in the market for a lawn tractor and I'd beRead More interested to hear what you've got and how much you're asking! :)