State Sen. Kevin Kelly has proposed a bill that would add a south-bound entrance ramp to Route 8 in downtown Shelton.
Kelly, a Republican who represents Seymour, Shelton, Monroe and Stratford, said the bill would help Shelton residents on morning commutes, and would help sustain economic development in downtown Shelton.
He testified Wednesday before the state legislature’s transportation committee.
The exit 14 exchange, at Howe Avenue in Shelton, includes an on-ramp headed north, and off-ramps from both directions. But in order to get on Route 8 southbound, drivers must get on in either Derby, or at exit 13, off Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton.
“Many people are seeking to access to Route 8, and they should be able to access it directly from downtown rather than having to travel down Bridgeport Avenue to the exit 13 entrance ramp,” Kelly said, according to a transcript of his testimony released by his press secretary. “Additionally, Route 8 connects with the Merritt Parkway and I‑95 — major thoroughfares used by Shelton residents traveling to work in lower Fairfield County.”
The bill, as proposed, would “require the Department of Transportation to construct an exit ramp on route 8 at exit 14.” (Note: The text of the bill proposal misstates the type of ramp. Kelly is requesting an on-ramp, not an exit ramp, as noted in his comments below.) No budget analysis has been included with the proposal yet.
Kelly’s full statement is posted below.
Kelly Exit 14 Route 8 Testimony Transportation
