Transportation Improvements Could Be a Boon to Wilton

Wiltonians have recently had several opportunities to hear and comment on proposals for land use and rail system improvement. The proposals are related, as both stem from studies focused on optimizing the Route 7 corridor.            

The Danbury Branch study deals specifically with rail service. The Route 7 Transportation and Land Use Study looks at different ways to improve travel in the corridor as well as guidelines for channeling and fostering economic growth (this study explicitly excludes any consideration of a superhighway.) 

Land use and transportation are closely linked, not least through the critical component of transit-oriented development (TOD), a concept based on reducing automobile dependency by building compact, mixed-use communities around mass transit facilities.  The outcomes of both studies are important for the economic vitality of our region – especially for Wilton – and they deserve careful consideration.            

Proposals produced by the Danbury Branch study include electrification of the line and its extension to New Milford.  Electrification's advantages include faster travel and potential air quality improvements, while the extension would expand rail access to the north, potentially reducing traffic as more people take trains. One of the Route 7 study's proposals entails linking Wilton station to the town center and TOD, with new parking and retail establishments around the station.  Wilton would benefit in many ways from any or all of these projects.            

Many of our neighboring towns have better access to faster and more frequent rail service.  The good news for Wilton has been the expansion of Route 7 and two works in progress: the Wilton station renovation and the Danbury branch signal system upgrade, which will yield more frequent service.  We now have 11 trains traveling each way on weekdays; the upgrade will give us 6 or 7 more traveling each way per day.            

Reducing travel times through electrification, combined with more frequent trains, would bring Wilton's service in line with that of many neighboring towns.  The result could well be enhanced property values and a boost for Wilton businesses seeking to attract employees from other locations.  Without further upgrades, Wilton may not stay competitive.            

By making it easier for more people to take mass transit, both rail improvements and TOD could have a dramatically positive impact on energy conservation and environmental protection.  According to the American Public Transportation Association, one full rail car is 15 times more fuel-efficient than an automobile with one occupant, and regularly taking mass transit is one of the most significant actions individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprints.  Another benefit of TOD is improved mobility and quality of life for seniors.            

Both sets of proposals would greatly benefit Wilton.  But I'd offer two caveats.  First, any development must respect the historical and aesthetic concerns that are so important to our community. And second, major transportation projects cost money.  Funding for new ones is at best uncertain, given projected state and federal deficits.  At the appropriate time, having a clear vision for the Route 7 corridor will be valuable, and we will be well served by making a strong case for Wilton and our region.

-Gail Lavielle is a member of the Connecticut Public Transportation Commission