Escaping The Grip Of Gridlock

It is one of the frustrations of modern life that everyday problems faced by ordinary people never seem to get solved until they grow to the point where they start to adversely affect influential people. The poor commuters, who for years have battled traffic in Fairfield County on their daily commute, are a case in point. They have watched in horror as more cars share the highway with more trucks carrying more freight, putting more wear on an inadequate road system, creating more construction delays. Moving farther out in the exurbs somewhere beyond the congestion only lengthens their commute and ultimately exacerbates their overall level of frustration. They also add one more car to the growing traffic on country roads.

Until recently, however, the growing gridlock in Connecticut was considered to be just another of the annoyances that are the lot of the poor working stiff. (A recent survey conducted by Quinnipiac University showed that gridlock ranked fourth among the concerns of state residents, ahead of health care and crime.) Last fall, however, a report prepared by a North Carolina transportation consultant was distributed widely among the state’s business leaders. The report warned that Connecticut’s deteriorating transportation system could lead the state into an “economic cul-de-sac.” In short, traffic problems are putting a drag on commerce in Connecticut and lots of important and influential people are going to lose a lot of money unless the state takes the problem seriously.

In response the legislative session that concluded last month created a 15-member Transportation Strategy Board and allocated $50 million for short-term transportation projects over the next two years, including expanded bus and rail service in Fairfield County. Long term plans call for billions more to be spent in the next decade, and not just on the conventional remedy – throwing more money into road widening projects. For the first time, planners are seriously exploring alternatives, including high speed commuter ferries, freight barges, and new train service. Establishing fast and reliable alternative transportation links to airports, seaports, and commercial centers will help clear the roads and reestablish the commercial viability of Connecticut.

It makes sense to finally coordinate the state’s economic development with its transportation development. Yes, in the long run it will make money for some influential people. But we are heartened to know that it should also improve the lives of Connecticut’s 1.6 million commuters.