Simmons Announces Infrastructure Investments, Vision Zero Initiatives

Information via City of Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — In an effort to increase pedestrian and motorist safety around the city, Mayor Caroline Simmons has announced new initiatives and infrastructure investments as part of Stamford's Vision Zero program.

The initiatives include:

- $2.7 million Communities Challenge Grant funding for the Latham Park Area Infrastructure Project

- FY2023-2024 Budget Investments:

• Proposed restoration of $1.2 million for citywide traffic signals & $1.5 million for roadway design and reconstruction
• Allocation of $1 million of American Rescue Plan funds toward bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects

- Washington Boulevard Safety Study

- Vision Zero Crash Dashboard

- Nineteen Pedestrian Safety Pilot Projects

In September, Simmons signed an executive order and launched a Vision Zero initiative with a goal of eliminating fatalities and severe injuries on Stamford's roadways by 2032.

Vision Zero was first implemented in Sweden in the 1990's, and it swept across Europe and is now a popular strategy in major American cities.

Simmons was joined Thursday by Stamford Transportation, Traffic, and Parking Bureau Chief Frank Petise, and members of the city's Vision Zero Task Force and other community advocates to announce the initiatives.

The task force is made up of technical advisors, transportation and engineering officials, as well as public safety officials and community advocates.

"Today, I was proud to announce critical investments in our city’s infrastructure as well as projects and initiatives that contribute to our Vision Zero goals," Simmons said in a news release, noting that the five initiatives will ensure greater walkability, access and pedestrian safety across Stamford.

"Our city budget is a reflection of our priorities and values as a community and I have said from day one that investing in our city’s infrastructure and enhancing walkability and safety of our streets is one of my top priorities," Simmons added. "I want to thank Frank Petise, Transportation Department Bureau Chief, for his leadership and partnership in executing on these important initiatives."

The $2.7 million in state funding Stamford received for the Latham Park Area Infrastructure Project will go toward the creation of a public plaza in the current parking lot at Bedford Street and Forest Street, the reconstruction of the intersection at Prospect Street and Forest Street, upgrading bike lanes and rebuilding Walton Place to become a raised, shared street.

Storm water system upgrades will also be included to improve aging infrastructure.

The City of Stamford Transportation, Traffic and Parking Department has partnered with the Connecticut Department of Transportation on a road safety audit of Washington Boulevard between Hoyt Street and Station Place.

The department also released a Vision Zero Crash Dashboard on the city website showing the location of injury and fatal crashes, graphs and charts detailing crashes in Stamford, and comparisons of crashes in Stamford to other cities in Connecticut.

Finally, the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Department will launch 19 pedestrian safety pilot projects, targeting locations around schools, parks, train stations, business areas, and locations with a history of pedestrian crashes.

These pilot project locations will be used to study pedestrian safety enhancements for possible future construction projects.

"I would like to thank the Vision Zero Task Force for their efforts with these initiatives. Additionally, we are excited to announce our partnership with the Connecticut Department of Transportation as we kick off the road safety audit for Washington Boulevard," Petise said in a news release. "The road safety audit will include public participation and identify short, medium, and long-term recommendations to increase safety throughout the corridor."

More information regarding the Stamford Vision Zero Program and task force can be found on the city’s website.