[HumpDay]

Interstate 84 in Hartford is the busiest stretch of highway in the state. Much of the original construction from
the 1960's are still in use today. With its lifespan near its end there are those who suggest it to be rebuilt. The project is still in the planning phase and likely construction won't begin until 10 years from now. Would you want that stretch of highway to either be completely torn down and built on ground level, bypassing through a tunnel or connect Interstate 84 to Whitehead highway? Also, without a natural bypass or beltway around Hartdord, where would all the I-84 traffic go?

[pulpfiction]

Considering how this state does things....construction will begin approximately 2035, and will result in only marginal improvements relative to I-84's current deplorable state.

When other states rebuild their roads, they build modern innovative features such as HOT Lanes (high-occupancy toll lanes). One needs only to look at what CT, MD and VA have done to improve their sections of I-95. When CT rebuilds their roads...they add 1-mile long auxillary lanes that do absolutely nothing to improve traffic flow. Don't even get me started on the Busway

Originally Posted by UrbanExplorer

Interstate 84 in Hartford is the busiest stretch of highway in the state. Much of the original construction from
the 1960's are still in use today. With its lifespan near its end there are those who suggest it to be rebuilt. The project is still in the planning phase and likely construction won't begin until 10 years from now. Would you want that stretch of highway to either be completely torn down and built on ground level, bypassing through a tunnel or connect Interstate 84 to Whitehead highway? Also, without a natural bypass or beltway around Hartdord, where would all the I-84 traffic go?

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by pulpfiction

Considering how this state does things....construction will begin approximately 2035, and will result in only marginal improvements relative to I-84's current deplorable state.

When other states rebuild their roads, they build modern innovative features such as HOT Lanes (high-occupancy toll lanes). One needs only to look at what CT, MD and VA have done to improve their sections of I-95. When CT rebuilds their roads...they add 1-mile long auxillary lanes that do absolutely nothing to improve traffic flow. Don't even get me started on the Busway

In case you haven't noticed there are HOV lanes on I-91 north of Hartford and on I-84 east of Hartford. They have been in use for years. When the state proposed a major expansion of I-95 25 years ago the regional planning agencies, towns and environmental groups opposed it so rather than widening the highway the transportation focus shifted to mass transit. And the busway is a modern solution to transportation problems. It provides a separate roadway for buses out of the I-84 corridor. And has been proven to work in other cities. What is wrong with that? Jay.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by UrbanExplorer

Interstate 84 in Hartford is the busiest stretch of highway in the state. Much of the original construction from
the 1960's are still in use today. With its lifespan near its end there are those who suggest it to be rebuilt. The project is still in the planning phase and likely construction won't begin until 10 years from now. Would you want that stretch of highway to either be completely torn down and built on ground level, bypassing through a tunnel or connect Interstate 84 to Whitehead highway? Also, without a natural bypass or beltway around Hartdord, where would all the I-84 traffic go?

When they rebuild I-84 through Hartford it will likely follow the existing route. It will also likely be a depressed highway, not an expensive tunnel or an elevated highway like it is today. To do this the rail line I-84 crosses over will likely be relocated to the north and a new train station built in Hartford. All of the pieces of this very complex problem are slowly falling into place. This all takes time with many hurdles to get over including funding. Jay.

[pulpfiction]

Yes, I'm quite aware of our highly underutilized HOV lanes.

However, I mentioned HOT lanes. Big difference.

The HOV lanes are practically empty 24/7, even during peak periods. HOT lanes typically allow car pools to continue to ride for free, but open up the excess capacity to allow solo drivers to use them for a fee, as well.
This in turn reduces congestion in the regular lanes.

I'm reasonably certain that, for example, a commuter heading south from Windsor on I-91 would pay $2-3 to be able to use the HOV lane while riding solo to escape the typical 5+ mile delays heading down to the I-84 split.

Originally Posted by JayCT

In case you haven't noticed there are HOV lanes on I-91 north of Hartford and on I-84 east of Hartford. They have been in use for years. When the state proposed a major expansion of I-95 25 years ago the regional planning agencies, towns and environmental groups opposed it so rather than widening the highway the transportation focus shifted to mass transit. And the busway is a modern solution to transportation problems. It provides a separate roadway for buses out of the I-84 corridor. And has been proven to work in other cities. What is wrong with that? Jay.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by pulpfiction

Yes, I'm quite aware of our highly underutilized HOV lanes.

However, I mentioned HOT lanes. Big difference.

The HOV lanes are practically empty 24/7, even during peak periods. HOT lanes typically allow car pools to continue to ride for free, but open up the excess capacity to allow solo drivers to use them for a fee, as well.
This in turn reduces congestion in the regular lanes.

I'm reasonably certain that, for example, a commuter heading south from Windsor on I-91 would pay $2-3 to be able to use the HOV lane while riding solo to escape the typical 5+ mile delays heading down to the I-84 split.

I know the difference between HOT and HOV lanes. HOT lanes are also called "Lexus Lanes" and it is debated whether they are good or not. Why should our taxes go toward building lanes for wealthier people? Is it fair that a wealthier person can have a lane to get somewhere faster than those who can't afford to pay a toll? CTDOT has already looked into converting the Hartford area HOV lanes to HOT lanes and the Feds who paid for a part of them would not allow it. Also you would be surprised at the number of people that ride in those HOV lanes. Jay

[MrGompers]

Originally Posted by pulpfiction

Yes, I'm quite aware of our highly underutilized HOV lanes.

However, I mentioned HOT lanes. Big difference.

The HOV lanes are practically empty 24/7, even during peak periods. HOT lanes typically allow car pools to continue to ride for free, but open up the excess capacity to allow solo drivers to use them for a fee, as well.
This in turn reduces congestion in the regular lanes.

I'm reasonably certain that, for example, a commuter heading south from Windsor on I-91 would pay $2-3 to be able to use the HOV lane while riding solo to escape the typical 5+ mile delays heading down to the I-84 split.

I'm against HOT lanes. You may want to read how well they are doing in L.A. D.C. and Miami. A newspaper posted a great photo of the DC area HOT lane that showed gridlock in the normal lanes, while the HOT lane had one car. Even if a HOT lane was created it will be more than $3 a trip.

The HOV lane between Hartford and Windsor is heavily used during rush hour. I used to use it myself. This HOV lane is also heavily used by buses. Actually, CT transit has their depot at the last exit of the HOV lane in Hartford.

A redesign of traffic flow and infrastructure on I-91 south in Hartford would do far more to alleviate traffic in this area than a HOT lane. I-91 south thru Hartford is only 2 lanes, then it opens up to 4. That area needs attention first.

For starters I would prevent traffic entering from Jennings Rd to crossover to the left lane for RT 2 east RT 84 east.

[Lincolnian]

I used the HOV lane from Hartford to Windsor Locks today. I especially find it useful in the afternoon when traveling from Bradley to Hartford as sometimes the traffic can be backed up for miles. In the summer time, when driving alone, I take my motorcycle so that I can use the HOV lane. It makes a big difference in time saved.

[NewJeffCT]

Originally Posted by Lincolnian

I used the HOV lane from Hartford to Windsor Locks today. I especially find it useful in the afternoon when traveling from Bradley to Hartford as sometimes the traffic can be backed up for miles. In the summer time, when driving alone, I take my motorcycle so that I can use the HOV lane. It makes a big difference in time saved.

you're the one!



but seriously, I've used it in the past, especially when I lived in Ellington and worked in Hartford. However, I got pulled over several times when I was in the HOV lane because there was no passenger in the seat next to me. I had a minivan at the time and would have passengers in the back, but they couldn't be seen because of the tinted windows. So, the police had nothing better to do to than pull me over... you'd think the message would have gone out, "hey, the guy in the red Odyssey has kids in the back, so don't waste your time..."

[HumpDay]

Project Planners Seek Your Improvement Ideas for Improving I-84 in Hartford | NBC Connecticut

What are your ideas for Interstate 84 through Hartford?