Darien Gives Update On Great Island Access Road Project

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Board of Selectmen this week provided an update on the work to widen 23A, the access road to Great Island.

First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky said during Monday's Board of Selectmen meeting that he's been to the project site multiple times, and that there's been "substantial progress" made in recent weeks.

Monday's meeting is available to watch on demand on DarienTV.

"My understanding is it should be near completion, certainly the road itself, if not some of the landscaping, which may be delayed due to weather — but it looks like they'll be able to wrap that up and have access restored along that roadway sometime in the first couple of weeks in June."

Meanwhile, the town has launched a discussion with the Darien Police Commission, which serves as the local traffic authority.

Zagrodzky said the commission will be responsible for setting up traffic rules for the roadway.

"The local traffic authority will specify things such as signage and stop signs, that type of thing, so we have well-managed traffic at what will now be a four-way intersection at Pear Tree Point Road and Rings End Road at the Rings End Bridge, and 23A going up into Great Island," Zagrodzky said.

Widening 23A is a vital step in opening up the 60-plus-acre property to more residents, as it will allow for cars to get on the island, including emergency vehicles.