To: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Local Traffic Authority, First Selectman Edward B. St. John, State Senator Eric C. Berthel, State Senator Joan Hartley & State Representative William Pizzuto

We, the undersigned residents of Middlebury, CT, are deeply concerned about the high speed of vehicles on Route 63 (Straits Turnpike). Despite formal requests to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, the current speed limit remains unchanged. Recent data indicates that cars travel at speeds ranging from 45 to 95 mph, which is excessively high for a residential area and poses significant risks to our safety.

Read DOT Report

Background:

• Safety Concerns: The high speed limit poses a significant risk to the safety of residents, especially children and pedestrians.
• Accidents: There have been multiple accidents on this road, with a recent severe incident causing major injuries to local children.
• Residential Area: Route 63 runs through a densely populated residential area where many families live and children play.

Request:

We urgently request that the speed limit on Route 63 (Straits Turnpike) be reduced to a safer level that is more appropriate for a residential area. Additionally, we request the installation of speed traps to enforce the new speed limit and deter speeding. These measures will help to ensure the safety of our community and prevent future accidents.

Community Impact:

This issue affects the daily lives of residents, who live in constant fear for their safety. Immediate action is necessary to ensure that residents feel safe in their own homes.

We, the undersigned, implore the relevant authorities to take our concerns seriously and act swiftly to reduce the speed limit on Route 63. The safety and well-being of our community depend on it.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this critical issue.

Sincerely,

The Residents of Middlebury, CT