Public Information Meeting concerning a proposed median installation on Washington Boulevard between Division Street and U.S. Route 1 in Stamford

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will conduct a Public Information Meeting concerning a proposed median installation on Washington Boulevard between Division Street and U.S. Route 1, on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the Stamford Governmental Center Cafeteria on the 4^th Floor.  An informal question and answer session will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a formal design presentation at 7:00 p.m.

Washington Boulevard is the primary pedestrian corridor that connects pedestrians between downtown and the Stamford Transportation Center. This one block of Washington Boulevard is an un-divided four lane roadway with an exclusive left-turn lane to Division Street and exclusive left and right turn lanes to U.S. Route 1.

The proposed improvements will match existing median barrier previously installed by the Department under Project No. 135-278 on Washington Boulevard between U.S. Route 1 and West Broad Street. These improvements will control pedestrian crossing locations and should enhance overall pedestrian safety.  The proposed median barrier will be a minimum of 4’ wide and 1.67’ high from finished grade. The southwest corner of the Washington Boulevard will be widened an average of 3’ in order to provide proper width for the median barrier curb.  The existing concrete sidewalk in this area will be reconstructed. The project also involves the installation of swag chain fencing and plantings on top of the barrier curb for aesthetic purposes and to restrict pedestrians from crossing. In addition, the existing traffic signal and traffic apparatus may be replaced or modified at the Division Street intersection.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2011 and be completed in the fall of same the year. The estimated cost for this project is approximately $2 million and will be undertaken with Federal and State funds.  One temporary work easement will be required to reconstruct the existing sidewalk at the southwest corner of the project limits.

The Public Information 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.

Plans of the proposed project will be on display for public review.  ConnDOT personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss this project.  More detailed information is available at the Department’s Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Connecticut, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.  Anyone wishing to discuss the project may contact Mr. James H. Norman at (860) 594-3272 or by e-mail at james.norman@po.state.ct.us.  Plans are also available for review at the Stamford City Hall – City Clerk’s Office.

Any persons interested in this project are welcome to attend this meeting and discuss the project.