The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), passed and signed into law late last year, will provide money to all states to deal with a multitude of infrastructure challenges. While the term “infrastructure” has been broadened to include more than things like roads and bridges, a good deal of the money is being earmarked for investment in needed repairs and upgrades in those two areas.
Connecticut came in a dismal fourth on The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) ranking of states with the worst roads. The FHWA determined that 34% of our roads are either “poor” or “nonacceptable.” A report released last year by the White House classified the condition of 248 of our bridges and over 2,100 miles of highway as “poor.”
A considerable increase in funding
The good news is that these results allow Connecticut to have an additional $4 billion specifically for roads and bridges over the next five years. That’s an increase of approximately one-third of what we currently receive. That’s in addition to the $17 million we’re getting thanks to the IIJA. We also have a chance to apply for additional funding from other federal programs.
The added investment in public transportation and passenger rail systems from the IIJA will also help eventually take commuters who have given up on the too-often slow, inefficient systems in the state off the roads. That should help with gridlock.
Poor road conditions are no excuse for poor driving
The poor state of a road or bridge, however, is not a defense for a driver who is responsible for a vehicle crash. Drivers are expected to adjust their driving based on the conditions – whether it’s a snowstorm or a street filled with potholes.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a crash caused by another driver, it’s essential to understand your right to compensation to cover expenses and damages. Obtaining sound legal advice can help you maximize your claim.
