Fairfield Receives $300,000 For Safe Streets Initiative

FAIRFIELD, CT — U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-4th District) joined Fairfield First Selectperson Christine Vitale and local public safety and transportation officials at a news conference Thursday to announce a $300,000 federal Safe Streets for All grant awarded to the town. See video of the news conference below.

Town officials said the grant is intended to address traffic safety concerns linked to navigation apps that divert Interstate 95 traffic onto local and state roads during periods of congestion.

The funding will support a demonstration project using temporary, quick-build safety measures, including crosswalks, signage, bollards and curb extensions, at several locations identified as having elevated crash risk.

Officials said the project will focus on improving safety for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists during peak travel times, particularly in school zones, residential neighborhoods and areas with a higher concentration of older residents that experience increased cut-through traffic.

Participants in a panel discussion following the announcement included Himes, Vitale, Fairfield Engineering Manager Bill Hurley, Public Works Director Frank Petise, a former chair of the Fairfield Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, and Police Chief Michael Paris.