Stamford Receives $17 Million For West Side Connector Project

STAMFORD, CT — The Connecticut Congressional delegation and Gov. Ned Lamont this week announced $21.8 million for transportation projects around the state, including $17 million for Stamford that will go toward the West Side Neighborhood Connector Project.

According to a news release from U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the money will be used to fund a 12-foot-wide neighborhood greenway path to connect residents of the West Side neighborhood past I-95 to the Metro-North Railroad, and the South State Street area to downtown Stamford and the South End neighborhoods.

"This unprecedented investment will make Connecticut’s roadways safer for all and reconnect communities that have long been disconnected and divided by highways," Blumenthal said in a news release. "With this $21.8 million in federal funding, Connecticut communities will transform road and pedestrian safety, and make access to reliable transportation easier for all."

The money is coming from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program.

A fact sheet on the funding from the U.S. DOT said the funding "will fill a crucial 3,000-foot missing gap in the city's greenway network."

The mixed-use greenway path will feature "enhanced lighting and other amenities," according to the the project summary.

There will also be pedestrian safety upgrades in the form of better sidewalks, raised crosswalks, bump outs, traffic signal improvements and wayfinding signage to help resident cross Tresser Boulevard, Greenwich Avenue and Richmond Hill Avenue.

Additionally, the project summary says the proposed connector project will include a new direct connection from the Mill River Greenway to the Stamford Transportation Center, which will enable West Side residents to travel safely to the transit center.

Mayor Caroline Simmons called the funding "historic" for Stamford.

"I am grateful to the Transportation, Traffic, & Parking Department for their work in securing this grant and I look forward to working with community stakeholders to implement this visionary project," she said.

Stamford Transportation Bureau Chief Frank Petise said the West Side has some of the highest crash rates in the city and the area lacks easy and safe access to the train station and other parts of Stamford.

"Thanks to this grant, our department will work closely with the community to improve safety and mobility for the West Side," he noted.

Lamont spoke of the increased safety and mobility he said will come as a result of the funding.

"Much of our state’s infrastructure was designed and built for cars and cut off communities from one another," Lamont noted. "By refocusing on pedestrians and bicyclists, the state can have roadways that work for everyone."

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-04) said the federal funds will help connect communities and allow commuters to get to work, children to go to school, and families to visit nearby relatives "with ease and peace of mind."

"As an avid biker myself, I understand the importance of dedicated infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists so that every member of our community can easily traverse our cities and enjoy Southwest Connecticut’s vibrant natural spaces and bustling commercial areas," he said.

More information on the $21.8 million funding, click here.