(HARTFORD, CT) - Today, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Weston First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor, with Department of Transportation (DOT) Deputy Commissioner Laoise King and state officials, held a ribbon cutting ceremony in Weston for the Town’s approximately 5,500 linear feet of new sidewalk.

"Partnerships between the State of Connecticut and its towns have the power to be transformative. With this funding, Weston’s students and residents will experience increased pedestrian safety and a more walkable environment – making their community even more enjoyable,” said Lt. Governor Bysiewicz. “Congratulations to the Town of Weston, First Selectwoman Nestor, and everyone who played a part in this important project.”

“This is an historic moment for Weston. Our first sidewalks bring so much to our community: they are outdoor recreational spaces, provide safe access to our municipal and school campus, and increase traffic to our local businesses,” said First Selectwoman Nestor. “I am grateful to all of the local and state officials who worked so hard to make this happen, especially Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz who, in the eleventh hour, helped secure a second Community Connectivity Grant so we could complete the project this fall."

The new sidewalk will provide a safer and more welcoming pedestrian environment in Weston’s Town Center, which included the public schools, municipal buildings, library and more. Weston was awarded $884,200 under the State’s Community Connectivity Program Grant Program to cover 100 percent of the construction cost.

“Installing sidewalks can lead to a nearly 90 percent reduction in pedestrian crashes. This project and others around Connecticut help make town centers more vibrant, useable, and safer for residents and visitors,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. “Increasing pedestrian safety and improving connectivity are top priorities for us – and we know towns like Weston share our goals. The Community Connectivity Grant Program is one way we’re supporting municipalities in making needed infrastructure improvements to improve safety and accessibility for bicyclists and pedestrians in and around community centers.”

“Sidewalks connect communities, and these new installations will make Weston more walkable, more accessible and easier to navigate. Students will be able to walk from school to Lily’s Market and the Lunch Box, while residents will find it easier to access Town Hall and St Francis’ Church on foot. This project will benefit the community and I’m excited it is moving forward after years of planning and work,” said State Senator Ceci Maher.

“Weston’s network of sidewalks are vital to promoting an interconnected community and providing a safe and accessible way for people to walk, bike, reduce traffic congestion, improve public health and safety and reduce air pollution. This collaborative investment also provides a boost to local businesses and increases property values with our thriving village vibe. I am proud so many people worked together to make this sidewalk project come to fruition, which makes the center of Weston a more interconnected, safer community hub for everyone,” said State Representative Anne Hughes.

The Town received its first ever Community Connectivity grant for the sidewalk construction in 2018. However, new design features, COVID-related delays, and price increases cause the initial anticipated costs to double. Through an additional request, Weston was able to qualify for the remaining funding needed to complete the project.

The Community Connectivity Grant Program (CCGP) is an infrastructure improvement program that provides funding for local initiatives to improve the safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users in urban, suburban, and rural communities. The program goal is to provide equitable access to transportation by making conditions safer for all people and encouraging more use of these healthy and environmentally sustainable modes of travel. To date, more than 100 projects have received CCGP funding totaling more than $38 million.

Contact: Sam Taylor 

Samantha.Taylor@ct.gov  

(860) 805-1408