Aimee Berger-Girvalo

Yesterday, I moderated a very productive and encouraging meeting focused on road safety along the Route 7 corridor shared by Ridgefield and Danbury. Joining the discussion were Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, the Department’s Division Chief of Traffic Engineering Matt Bloom, Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, WestCOG Executive Director Francis Pickering, WestCOG Transportation Director Kristin Hadjstylianos, and legislators representing both Ridgefield and Danbury.

We discussed the complexities of improving safety on a roadway that is not only shared by two municipalities, but is also a U.S. highway. That status can make the process more cumbersome and expensive than if this were solely a state or municipal road, but CTDOT is experienced in navigating projects of this kind and made clear that it is committed to addressing the very real safety concerns along this corridor, with urgency.

Multiple studies are already underway, in various stages for both the Ridgefield and Danbury sections of Route 7, including one for each community already being conducted by WestCOG. Bringing all of the key stakeholders together yesterday was an important step toward consolidating data, reducing duplication, and ensuring that prompt decisions are made with everyone at the same table. Danbury’s leadership is every bit as eager as Ridgefield’s to address the dangerous conditions on this highway, and there was broad agreement on the need for both immediate action to slow traffic and reduce the likelihood of head-on collisions, as well as long-term solutions that further impact road safety, and support the continued success of the local businesses along the corridor.

Commissioner Eucalitto and Francis Pickering committed to sharing the results of the studies already underway, immediately upon completion, as well as realistic timelines for the various stages of intervention, so that duplicative work does not continue and that final presentations of potential solutions are not further delayed. That coordination matters, and it should help move our adjoining communities more efficiently toward a set of options from which to choose. I appreciate not only their willingness but their eagerness to collaborate and help our communities.

Many suggestions have come from residents of both municipalities, including ideas such as median barriers and speed cameras. Those suggestions have been heard and taken seriously and are being explored. At the same time, the engineers and safety experts at the state and federal levels are best equipped to evaluate all available options and recommend the most effective solutions, and, at least at the state level, the urgency of this matter has been clearly acknowledged.

One of the key topics discussed yesterday was the need to slow traffic traveling south from I-84 near Danbury Airport before vehicles funnel into the four-lane highway as it transitions into Ridgefield. There was strong agreement that drivers should be slowing well before reaching the section where there is no physical divider. That will be one of CTDOT’s immediate focuses, and the ideas discussed included the possible additions of full-width rumble strips to signal a significant speed reduction ahead, much larger signage warning of the drop in speed, and substantially wider centerline rumble strips where the physical barrier ends.

In the Ridgefield section, multiple interim measures are already planned, and each has received the support of our Local Traffic Authority, specifically Chief of Police Jeff Kreitz. That is an important starting point as this work moves forward.

I would like to thank Chief Kreitz for being such a valuable partner in this process. The Chief and I share the same motivation  - ensuring the safety of each of Ridgefield’s residents and visitors. We’ve been working together for many years to make this corridor better and safer, and were both very encouraged by the enthusiasm of all stakeholders to work together toward that endeavor.

This corridor serves residents, commuters, and businesses in both communities, and improving safety on Route 7 will require continued coordination, urgency, and follow-through. Yesterday’s meeting was a meaningful step in that direction, and I pledge to continue facilitating opportunities for all involved parties to help deliver both near-term improvements and long-term solutions for Ridgefield. I will continue to share updates as they come, including actual proposals, real-world timelines, and any relevant data that may come to light.

I am proud that I received a 95% score from the Connecticut Education Association for my legislative record this past session.

I've always believed that investing in our students, supporting our educators, and strengthening our public schools is one of the smartest investments we can make. I'm grateful to the CEA for this recognition, and I'll continue working to ensure every child in Connecticut has access to a high-quality public education and every educator has the support they deserve.

Pro-education bills that I voted for included the following:

• 2025 Budget SB 1  (support for increased ECS funding that holds towns harmless, expands special education funding, procedures for book challenges in public and school libraries, & more. However, this bill also temporarily reduces the state's Teachers Retirement Board Health Contribution for 1 year.)
• Student Literacy & Aspiring Educators Scholarship Expansion SB 220 (support for expanding eligibility for the Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program and requiring Dept. of Education guidance on student literacy)
• Teacher Certification HB 5323 (support for a necessary extension to address teacher certification regulations in Connecticut)
• Special Education HB 5001 (support for expanding special education grants and strengthening special education policies in Connecticut)