I-84 Flex Lane Plan Could Cut Commutes By 74%: Officials

DANBURY, CT — A proposed flex lane project on Interstate 84 in the Danbury area could significantly reduce travel times along one of the region’s most congested corridors, according to state officials.

The plan would allow the Connecticut Department of Transportation to convert the existing median shoulder into a temporary travel lane during peak traffic hours between Exits 3 and 7.

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Officials said the project could cut travel times through the corridor from about 30 minutes during heavy congestion to roughly 8 minutes, a reduction of more than 74 percent by 2030.

State Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan, who represents parts of Danbury and Bethel, voted in favor of the project. He said it would provide relief for drivers dealing with daily congestion on the stretch of highway.

“This is a practical solution for a problem Danbury area drivers deal with every single day,” Allie-Brennan said.

The proposal also includes improvements to southbound Route 7 near Exit 7, where traffic backups are common.

The measure is part of a broader transportation package that must still be approved by the Connecticut Senate.

If passed, the legislation would allow the state to move forward with environmental reviews and compete for federal transportation funding.