A state Department of Transportation worker was killed Friday while working along an exit ramp on I-91 in Wallingford – the second time in a month that a state worker has been killed by a driver on the side of the road in Connecticut.
The worker, Andrew DiDomenico, 26, was working on the Wharton Brook Connector along Exit 13 off of I-91 when he was struck by a vehicle that partially left the road, police said.
On May 30, State Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier was killed by a hit-and-run driver on I-84 in Southington.
On Friday, State Police troopers cut off the highway exit after they arrived on the scene. Police said the driver of the vehicle has not yet been identified to the public, but remained on the scene after the incident and was arrested.
Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement that he was “both outraged and saddened” by DiDomenico’s death.
“I implore everyone getting behind the wheel to be fully alert and pay attention to what is happening on the road around them at all times,” Lamont said. “Show some respect for the workers on our interstates and roadways by following the speed limit and reducing your speed whenever you’re near work zones.”
DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalito said in a statement that DiDoemico’s death was a nightmare scenario.
“Andrew had his life cut tragically short and the bright future ahead of him will no longer be realized. It’s hard to express the absolute sadness, shock, and outrage the 3,200 men and women of the Connecticut DOT are feeling in this moment,” Eucalitto said.
Carl Chisem, president of the Connecticut Employees Union Independent (CEUI), said his union is suffering from sorrow, shock, and disbelief.
“Our entire union is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Andrew,” Chisem said in a statement. “Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. Our DOT union members face constant dangers on our roads, bridges and highways, no one should sacrifice their life for their job. Our top priority as a union has always been safety first and what occurred today is a devastating situation everyone hopes to avoid.”
Chisem continued: “Andrew’s promising future was abruptly cut short, leaving us all with profound sorrow, shock, and disbelief. The men and women at the Connecticut Employees Union Independent across all agencies are struggling to come to terms with the loss of their union brother. As we process this heartbreaking news, we urge the public to drive cautiously and compassionately to ensure our roads are safe. Connecticut drivers need take responsibility for the safety of everyone on the roads and slow down.”
A pilot program was put in place in 2023 to install speed cameras at some work zones around the state, following an increase in road workers being hit, or nearly hit, by vehicles.
That program was codified and expanded by more legislation this session. Public Act 24-40 authorizes the program to continue in perpetuity and expands it to 15 work zones across the state. The bill also increased fines for violating traffic control and road safety orders, and allows for variable speed limits on limited access roads.
Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, and Sen. Christine Cohen, co-chair of the Transportation Committee, said in a statement that DiDomenico’s death was an illustration of drivers needing to share the road responsibly.
“Andrew’s death was entirely preventable and we are outraged by the carelessness displayed on our roads. Traffic fatalities are not just statistics, these are loved ones who had so much life left to live,” their statement said.
House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, said DiDomenico’s death was heartbreaking.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and Department of Transportation co-workers of Andrew DiDomenico,” Candelora said. “His tragic death at the age of 26 serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers inherent in transportation improvement projects. It also underscores the urgent need for the Governor and legislature to finally address what so many Connecticut residents are unfortunately experiencing – an undeniable safety crisis on our highways.”
Attorney General William Tong said that DiDomenico’s death was intolerable and unacceptable.
“This is yet another preventable, tragic death of a young, dedicated state employee on our roadways,” Tong said in a statement Friday. “As a state, we must do absolutely everything we can to stop this rampant reckless driving.”
