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Connecticut State Police beef up patrols amid uptick in deaths on roadways

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Connecticut State Police beef up patrols amid uptick in deaths on roadways


Gov. Ned Lamont and state police say more police patrols are coming to Connecticut highways to address driver and pedestrian fatalities.

“It’s a public health crisis what we’re seeing on our roadways,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto.

State officials held a press conference Thursday along Interstate 91 in Rocky Hill to address the tragedies on the state’s highways.

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There have been 50 deaths this year so far on Connecticut roadways, according to officials, including early Sunday morning when four people died in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 95 near exit 42 in West Haven.

Two of the victims were Norwalk natives in their 20s.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of all those who were impacted,” said Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Interim Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins.

State police say they are beefing up patrols.

“We are analyzing our data type to identify the locations where we conduct enforcement. We are looking to further examine the exact areas that appear to pose the most risk,” said Connecticut State Police Interim Colonel Daniel Loughman.

“We need people to slow down and drive sober and put down the distractions,” said Eucalitto.

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The state DOT says it has installed 27 new wrong-way signs equipped with cameras and flashing lights.

DOT says the number will go to 100 signs by the end of this year and over 200 in three years.

In this video a state trooper shows how going the wrong way on state highways will trigger those flashing lights to warn drivers to turn around.

“We need to really start having some tough conversations everywhere in Connecticut. In our schools, in our communities, in our workplaces,” said Higgins.

The governor says he is sending a clear message that reckless driving is dangerous and illegal.

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“Look out for each other. Use your common sense. That’s what it means to be a good friend. We’re making progress. We have a long way to go,” said Lamont.

Police are asking anyone who sees erratic behavior on our roadways to call 911.

State police say they are also having conversations with local police chiefs for safety on town roads.



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Connecticut Launches New Era for Community Hospital Care – UConn Today

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Connecticut Launches New Era for Community Hospital Care – UConn Today


Marked by a ceremonial ribbon cutting and attended by Governor Ned Lamont, state legislators, Waterbury officials, and community leaders, UConn Health celebrated the acquisition of Waterbury Hospital which as of today is now the UConn Health Waterbury Hospital.

“This is a defining moment for healthcare in Connecticut,” said Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, CEO of UConn Health Community Network.  “We now have the opportunity to take the award -winning academic quality and service of UConn Health and share it with the wonderful employees, doctors and community of Waterbury.”

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont described the initiative as a forward-looking investment in the future of healthcare access across Connecticut.

“Connecticut is leading with innovation,” said Connecticut Governor Lamont. “The UConn Health Community Network reflects a proactive approach to strengthening community-based care by connecting it directly to the capabilities of our state’s public academic medical center. What begins in Waterbury today, represents a new model designed to expand opportunity, access, and excellence for communities statewide.”

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In addition to UConn Health Waterbury Hospital, the Network includes UConn Health Community Network Medical Group and UConn Health Waterbury Health at Home. The model preserves each member’s local identity and will grow thoughtfully over time to improve quality, expand access, and reduce the total cost of care. 

“This reflects a bold step forward in how we think about healthcare in Connecticut,” said John Driscoll, Chair of the UConn Health Board of Directors. “Today we celebrate the beginning of a new approach to community-based care. We move forward with clarity of purpose and shared commitment to serve our communities better together.”

 Comptroller Sean Scanlon highlighted the significance of the model for the long-term evolution of healthcare delivery in Connecticut. 

“This partnership represents thoughtful leadership at a pivotal time for healthcare,” said Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon. “By aligning community hospitals with academic medicine, Connecticut is building a modern framework that positions our healthcare system to meet the needs of patients today and into the future.”

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“Hosting this celebration on our campus is deeply meaningful for our staff, physicians and the families we serve,” said Deborah Weymouth, President of UConn Health Waterbury Hospital. “Waterbury’s legacy of care continues, and we are tremendously proud to have a strong partner who is deeply committed to our community and help lead this next chapter for healthcare.”

Welcome UConn Health Waterbury Hospital!



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Multiple cars involved in crash on I-84 in Hartford

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Multiple cars involved in crash on I-84 in Hartford


A multi-vehicle crash temporarily close Interstate 84 on Tuesday night.

The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. and involved four cars, according to the Hartford Fire Department.

Fire crews arrived at the scene and helped one of the drivers who was trapped. The driver was then taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Four other people reported minor injuries but declined ambulance treatment at the scene, officials said.

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I-84 East was temporarily shut down as crews responded but has since reopened.

The Connecticut State Police is investigating the crash.



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Sleet, freezing rain leading to treacherous travel in parts of Connecticut

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Sleet, freezing rain leading to treacherous travel in parts of Connecticut


As the snow turns to sleet and freezing rain in parts of the state this afternoon, it is causing some treacherous travel on Connecticut roads.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is reporting several crashes.

There are crashes on both sides of Interstate 691 in Meriden.

A tractor-trailer jackknifed on the eastbound side of I-691 between Exit 5 and 3, closing the left lane. On the westbound side, a single-vehicle crash closed the left lane.

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There is a two-vehicle crash on I-91 North in Middletown between Exits 20 and 21. The left and center lanes are closed.

A multi-vehicle crash has closed lanes of I-84 East in Waterbury between Exits 25 and 25A. There is a second crash on I-84 East in Southington near Exit 30.

In Cromwell, a two-vehicle crash closed the right lane of Route 9 North in Cromwell.

On Route 9 South, a crash closed a lane on the southbound side.

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