News Summary
A man has been arrested after crashing into a Connecticut Department of Transportation vehicle in a construction zone on Route 9. The incident occurred at night, leading to road closures and police intervention. The driver, Brian Ayers, exhibited signs of intoxication and was charged with several offenses, including driving under the influence. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported among those involved. This event highlights ongoing concerns about safety for highway workers in construction zones, especially during the busy summer months.
Berlin, CT – A man has been arrested following an incident on Thursday night involving a crash with a Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) vehicle in a construction zone on Route 9. The event happened shortly after 9:15 p.m. near exit 34, prompting immediate police intervention and road closures.
According to state police, the left lane of Route 9 and the exit 34 off-ramp were closed for construction when a DOT supervisor’s vehicle, which had its emergency safety lights activated, was rear-ended by another vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 46-year-old Brian Ayers from New Haven, reportedly attempted to slow down but veered into the construction area, resulting in the collision.
The DOT worker reported experiencing minor pain and was assessed on the scene by emergency personnel. Fortunately, they did not require hospitalization. Ayers did not report any injuries; however, he displayed signs of intoxication during the police investigation.
As officers arrived, they detected the smell of alcohol emanating from Ayers and noted the presence of an open alcoholic beverage inside his vehicle. Observations showed that he was extremely unsteady on his feet, leading to additional concerns regarding his state at the time of the crash. After failing a field sobriety test, Ayers was arrested and charged with several offenses:
- Endangering highway workers
- Driving under the influence in a construction zone
- Reckless endangerment
- Failure to maintain proper lane
Ayers was subsequently released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on July 31 regarding these charges.
The Connecticut State Police arrived promptly at the scene with personnel already assigned to the construction project. Traffic safety remains a crucial focus, particularly as data indicates that there have been 33 reported incidents this year in Connecticut where construction workers were struck while working in construction zones. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for increased driver vigilance in areas where construction is actively taking place.
As the summer months progress, construction work in the state intensifies, making it essential for drivers to stay alert and adhere to safety regulations established for construction zones. The safety of highway workers is paramount, and incidents such as this serve as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle in areas where workers are present.
In conclusion, this recent incident serves not only as a cautionary tale for drivers but also reinforces the ongoing efforts required to protect those working on Connecticut’s roadways. Authorities continue to advocate for public awareness and responsibility to avoid accidents and ensure a safer environment for everyone.
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Additional Resources
- Fox61 News
- Wikipedia: Construction Zone Safety
- WFSB News
- Google Search: CT DOT accidents
- CT Post
- Google Scholar: Construction Worker Safety
- New Haven Register
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Zone Safety Measures
- JSONline News
- Google News: Worker Accidents Construction Zones
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
