Aerial view of I-84 in Danbury, Connecticut, showing multiple lanes of traffic approaching Exit 3, surrounded by wooded areas and commercial areas

I-84 Danbury Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) Study

The I-84 Danbury PEL Study is a Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) initiative to reduce congestion and improve the mobility of people and goods in the I-84 corridor in greater Danbury.

To better understand the transportation needs along I-84 in Danbury, CTDOT completed a PEL study to look closely at current transportation challenges, identify areas for improvements, and evaluate a wide range of possible solutions to meet the needs of this corridor. Click here to view the study area map.

What is a Planning and Environment Linkages Study?

A PEL study is a collaborative, integrated approach to transportation decision-making that considers environmental, community, and economic goals early in the transportation planning process. By conducting a PEL study CTDOT was able to engage local communities, businesses, regulators, I-84 corridor travelers, and other interested stakeholders throughout the Danbury area, to understand their concerns and ideas for immediate and long-term improvements.

The term “PEL study” represents a Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) analysis that follows Federal Highway Administration guidance. The study transitions from long-range planning to the upcoming environmental review process by assessing local conditions and developing alternatives. The Connecticut Department of Transportation may adopt or incorporate Planning Products from this PEL study into a federal or state environmental review process, pursuant to Title 23 U.S.C to Title 23 U.S.C. § 168(d)(4).

I-84 Danbury PEL Study Final Report

Read the I-84 Danbury PEL Study:

I-84 Danbury PEL Study (PDF)

Appendix Archive
Appendix A: FHWA PEL Questionnaire (PDF)
Appendix B: I-84 Danbury Project Needs and Deficiencies Assessment (PDF)
Appendix C: Inventory and Analysis of the Physical Environment: Utilities (PDF)
Appendix D: Inventory and Analysis of the Existing Human Environment (PDF)
Appendix E: Inventory and Analysis of the Existing Cultural Resources and Section 4(f) Resources (PDF)
Appendix F: Inventory and Analysis of the Existing Transportation Environment (PDF)
Appendix G: Inventory and Analysis of the Existing Natural Environment (PDF)
Appendix H: Supplemental Existing Conditions Analysis (PDF)
Appendix I: Concept Figures (PDF)
Appendix J: Concept Screening Metrics and Analyses (PDF)
Appendix K: I-84 Danbury Transit Assessment Technical Report (PDF)
Appendix L: TSMO Strategies Engineering White Paper (PDF)
Appendix M: Funding Sources Memo (PDF)
Appendix N: Public Involvement Documentation (PDF)

What’s Next?

Through the PEL study process, a recommended range of alternatives was developed that could be implemented as one corridor-wide project to be evaluated through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process. Independent projects are determined to stand alone from these corridor-wide recommendations and would be examined separately through their own NEPA review process. One of these independent projects is the I-84 Flex Lane. Visit the webpage to learn more.
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View the Recommended Range of Alternatives
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Learn more about the I-84 Flex Lane