To the Editor:

Since announcing my candidacy for Newtown’s 106th State House seat, I have been actively engaging with residents to hear their concerns. A recurring theme is the pressing issue of traffic — speeding, noise, congestion, and the time wasted navigating our increasingly busy roads.

Newtown is one of the largest towns in Connecticut, as measured by its 60 square miles. Thus, roads are integral to our daily life in Newtown — whether walking, biking, riding a bus, or driving. However, with growing congestion on I-84, more frustrated commuters are choosing to cut through our town, which crowds local roads. This issue is not just an inconvenience but a symptom of a broader problem that needs urgent attention.

If elected to represent Newtown in the House of Representatives, I will press for the expansion of I-84 to three lanes from Waterbury to the New York state line. This goal is not without precedent. Since 2001, several studies, including the I-84 Corridor Deficiencies/Needs Study and a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) conducted from 2009 to 2011, have highlighted the critical need for improvements. Despite these studies, the DEIS was never published, and subsequent action stalled due to a lack of funding. The need, however, remains as pressing as ever.

While I understand that Hartford may not be ready to allocate millions of dollars based solely on one representative’s agenda, this is an issue that impacts all towns along this corridor, and it is incumbent on whoever represents those towns to push for progress. I am committed to building a coalition of legislators who will advocate for their communities along I-84, ensuring that our collective voice is heard.

Additionally, I will support legislation that would give Connecticut increased access to federal funding for road construction. Currently, funding is blocked because Connecticut is one of the few states that does not comply with the federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. Specifically, Connecticut does not ban open containers of alcohol in motor vehicles. I will support legislation that would bring Connecticut into compliance.

And finally, I will advocate that the state work with Newtown to make improvements on our state roads. Traffic has been a growing issue in town as new development is approved. The infrastructure needs must be part of planning. Therefore, coordination between our town and state is vital to ensuring that state routes 6, 25, 34 and 302 will safely accommodate the increasing traffic. The Draft 2024 Newtown Plan of Conservation and Development (being discussed in public workshops hosted by the Planning and Zoning Commission) outlines specific data and projects that should be used as guideposts.

Addressing these issues requires concerted effort and collaboration. I am eager to work with fellow legislators and local leaders to bring meaningful solutions to the table. Together, we can make a real difference in improving our roads and easing traffic congestion for all Connecticut residents.

Michelle Embree Ku

Newtown