Major Intersection Reconfiguration Planned At Busy West Hartford Site

Town of West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Work won't begin for another two years, but the time is now for folks to learn and offer input on a massive reconstruction project at one of West Hartford's busiest areas.

Members of the public are invited to a virtual state Department of Transportation public information meeting regardingi intersection improvements at Bishop's Corner.

The meeting will take place on Thursday, July 13, at 7 p.m.

Registration is required to participate. Register here: https://portal.ct.gov/WestHartford155-176. Residents can livestream the meeting on YouTube: https://portal.ct.gov/ctdotvpimarchive.

While public education on the project is the main purpose of the meeting, input is encouraged as well.

The event will also feature a question-and-answer session that will immediately follow the presentation.

The $5.59 million-project aims to improve pedestrian mobility and overall operations at the intersection.

It will be funded by 80 percent fedeal dollars and 20 percent state funds.

"The deficiencies with current pedestrian facilities, undesirable geometry and traffic congestion make this area unfavorable for pedestrian travel," the Town of West Hartford wrote in an announcement of the forum.

Proposed improvements include eliminating all channelized right-turn lanes and islands at the intersection.

In addition, wrote the town, pedestrian push buttons will be relocated from the islands to the corners of the intersection.

"Relocating the pedestrian push buttons and eliminating the islands will allow pedestrians to cross directly from one side of the road to the other, providing the shortest crossing distance," wrote the town. "New traffic signals and sidewalk ramps will also be installed."

The project will require "minor property acquisitions and easements" to accommodate sidewalk reconstruction and traffic signal equipment.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2025, based on the availability of funding, acquisition of rights of way and approval of permits.

Members of the public can submit comments and questions during the two-week public comment period following the meeting. Direct comments and questions by July 27 to: mailto:mDOTProject0155-0176@ct.gov and 860-594-2079 or Joseph D. Arsenault, project manager, 860-594-3471 or at Joseph.D.Aresenault@ct.gov.

To register for the virtual forum, click on this link.

To watch the forum via Youtube on Thursday, July 13, click on this link.