DANBURY, CT — Connecticut lawmakers have advanced a transportation bill that could eventually bring “flex lanes” to the heavily congested I-84 corridor through Greater Danbury.
The proposal, included in House Bill 5464, would allow the state to temporarily open highway shoulders or lanes during heavy traffic and emergencies as part of a “dynamic part-time lane” system.
The bill passed both the House and Senate this week after lawmakers adopted several amendments.
Under the proposal, the state could use the lanes to help reduce congestion, create temporary high-occupancy vehicle lanes, assist buses and allow emergency vehicles to move through traffic more easily.
The state's first flex lane project would be located along 3.75 miles of I-84 between exits 4 and 7 in Danbury, with hopes to reduce commute times along one of the busiest highway corridors.
The legislation would also create an automated enforcement system using cameras and sensors to identify drivers who improperly use the lanes. First-time violations would carry a $75 fine, while repeat violations within one year could result in fines of up to $200.
Under the bill, the Department of Transportation would be required to post signs notifying drivers when the lanes are active and where enforcement systems are operating.
The proposal also states that the camera systems could only be used for lane enforcement purposes and not for general surveillance.
Drivers who fail to pay fines could eventually face vehicle registration suspensions under the proposal.
The full bill and legislative history are available through the Connecticut General Assembly website.
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