The Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Highway Design Division, will conduct a virtual public informational meeting concerning the proposed Intersection Improvements on Route 39 (Clapboard Ridge Road) at Beckerle Street and East Gate Road on July 29, 2020. The design presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. Refer to the project webpage for more detail: https://portal.ct.gov/DOTDanbury34-351
The project is identified as State Project No. 0034-0351.
The purpose of this project is to address the left-turn movements during peak hours on Route 39 at Beckerle Street and East Gate Road. The Office of the State Traffic Administration issued a certificate (No. 034-1603-02) to the City of Danbury on June 2, 2016, agreeing to make operational and safety improvements along Route 39 at the intersections of Beckerle Street and East Gate Road if the proposed expansion to Danbury High School was completed. These improvements are being proposed to accommodate for the increase in vehicles making left-turn movements at these intersections to access the High School. The crash histories for these intersections show a pattern of rear-end collisions that may be associated with the lack of left-turn lanes and substandard sight lines. The Traffic Capacity and Level of Service (LOS) Analysis show the LOS of each intersection is expected to worsen if no improvements are made.
The proposed improvements include minor widening of Route 39 at the intersections with Beckerle Street and East Gate Road to allow for the addition of exclusive left-turn lanes on the southbound approaches. This work will require minor modifications to the existing drainage system. The widening of Route 39 also impacts multiple driveways which will require reconstruction. Route 39 will be resurfaced by milling 3” and paving 3” and the traffic signals at both intersections will be replaced or modified for the new intersection configurations. This project also proposes tree clearing to address substandard sightlines.
There are right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements. A property title search has been requested for four properties along Route 39. All four properties will require easements, two sightline easements (including tree clearing), one slope easement, and an easement for traffic appurtenances.
Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2022 based on the availability of funding, acquisition of rights of way and approval of permit(s). The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $ 4.1 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with eighty percent (80%) Federal funds and twenty percent (20%) State funds.
The public informational meeting is being held to afford a full opportunity for public participation and to allow open discussion of any views and comments the community may have concerning this proposed project, as well as to provide the public and local community the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the proposed project. Persons with limited internet access may request that project information is mailed to them by contacting Mr. Andrew Correia, P.E. by e-mail at Andrew.Correia@ct.gov or by phone at (860) 594-2586. (Allow one week for processing and delivery.)
Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by (800) 593-8994 and entering the Participant Code when prompted: 2193250. Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). The live streams offer closed-captioning for the hearing impaired and non-English translation options. Visit the project webpage for options for Apple users. During the Question and Answer session and the 14-day comment period that follows the meeting, individuals may leave a question or comment via e-mail (preferred) at DOTProject0034-0351@ct.gov. Individuals may also leave a voicemail question or comment by calling (860) 944-1111. Please reference the project in your voicemail.
Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department’s Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least 5 business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.