Traffic Safety Project In West Hartford Gets Cash Boost

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The town's ongoing initiative to make West Hartford roads safer for both motorists and pedestrians alike recently received a million-dollar boost.

West Hartford's legislative delegation has announced a $1 million allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to the West Hartford Vision Zero Council.

State Sen. Derek Slap, D-West Hartford, along with five state representatives who serve West Hartford, made the announcement last week.

For nearly all of last year, a West Hartford Town Council-created task force has been working on the plan with the aid of a consultant in what is called the "Vision Zero Initiative."

It was fueled by a tragic 2022, especially in the leadup to the holidays that December, when five people died on West Hartford roadways, including three in a horrific Christmas Day crash.

West Hartford became the first town in Connecticut to adopt a Vision Zero Plan in February 2024, the goal being to eliminate all roadway deaths and serious injuries by 2033.

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor said the funding is much-needed and will be well-used.

“This funding is a game-changer for West Hartford”, said Cantor in a statement. “It enables us to advance our Vision Zero goals of eliminating deaths and serious injuries as a result of traffic crashes by 2033, and provides funding for over 70 projects identified in our Vision Zero Action Plan to be completed by FY ’25.”

For the 2024-25 budget, West Hartford appropriated $1 million to begin fixing roadways, intersections and "pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure" included in the "Vision Zero" plan.

Ultimately, the plan's focus calls for:

• Establishing policies and programs that aim to reduce speeds, calm traffic and increase safety for all.

• Adopt road design practices that prioritize safety.

• Develop and conduct a multi-media awareness campaign educating the public on "safe roadway behavior."

• And to improve and diversity the way the town obtains and utilizes traffic data to help regarding future decisions on safety.

Those representing West Hartford in the legislature all said they were pleased with the allocation.

“Improving safety on our roads for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists is a top priority and something I regularly hear about from constituents,” said Slap. “This funding will go directly to making our roads safer for everyone and improving our quality of life."

West Hartford's representatives in Hartford agreed.

“Accidents and pedestrian deaths are on the rise throughout our state, and it has been proven that implementing structural and policy changes have the potential to decrease this sad statistic,” state Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, D-West Hartford, said.

“Pedestrian safety should not be aspirational, which is why I welcome this critical community investment in the West Hartford Vision Zero Plan,” added state Rep. Tammy Exum, D-West Hartford.

State Rep. Kate Farrar, D-West Hartford, said the funding will aid the initiative and, possibly, cut down on pedestrian/motorist deaths.

“Any life lost in a traffic crash is unacceptable. In the face of roadway tragedies I’m grateful that West Hartford took action to become the first town in the state with a Vision Zero Action Plan," said Farrar.

According to state Rep. James Sanchez, D-Hartford, safety is always a legislative priority.

“Safety has been and will always be a top priority and this new investment in the Vision Zero Council embodies our commitment to the public,” Sánchez said.

“We have an amazing opportunity to directly address ongoing road and pedestrian safety concerns in West Hartford and surrounding communities."

Added state Rep. Bobby Gibson, D-Bloomfield: "West Hartford has made traffic safety a priority. This funding will allow the town to overhaul its infrastructure so human lives are prioritized.”

For the full $1 million grant funding announcement, click on this link.

From March 3: 'WeHa Council Seeks 'Cultural' Change On Traffic Safety'