June 8, 2011

DANBURY HIGHWAY REST STOP TO STAY OPEN
Rep. Godfrey works with governor’s office on agreement

A day after contacting the governor’s office, State Representative Bob Godfrey, who represents Danbury in the General Assembly, helped secure an agreement that will keep Danbury’s Interstate 84 rest stops open.

“I very much appreciate the willingness and flexibility of the administration to rethink this,” Godfrey said. “We are always telling drivers to pull over and take a break if they are tired, so let’s not send a contradictory message.”

The Department of Transportation had announced the closing of both the east and westbound rest stops effective July 1 to cut an estimated $400,000 in maintenance costs, but Godfrey argued that public safety and community concerns outweighed any estimated savings.

“First and foremost, we must consider the safety of truck drivers and others travelling on the roads,” Godfrey wrote in a June 7 letter to the Governor Malloy. “Over tired truckers and drivers are a serious safety concern.”

Godfrey also noted that charitable organizations, such as the Boys Scouts often offer “coffee breaks” at the rest areas as fundraisers.

All of the state’s seven non-commercial highway rest stops were scheduled to be closed over the next two years at an annual saving of $1.3 million. The stops are located in Danbury, Middletown, North Stonington, Southington, Wallingford and Willington.

Bob Godfrey is the State Representative for the 110th Assembly District from Danbury. He currently serves as Deputy Speaker and is a member of the Judiciary, Government Administration & Elections, and Legislative Management committees.