CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: June 9, 2015

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a public information meeting concerning Route 37 intersection improvements at Stacey Road and Barnum Road in the city of Danbury on June 22, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in Danbury City Hall, Room 3C, 155 Deer Hill Avenue, Danbury, Connecticut.

The proposed projects are identified as State Project Nos. 34-305/345.  There are right-of-way impacts associated with these proposed improvements including partial acquisitions, easements, construction easements and rights.

Originally conceived and funded as separate projects, the proximity of these improvements to one another supported the need to develop their design and schedule their construction at the same time.  Combined construction costs for these projects total approximately $5,000,000.  Construction for these projects is anticipated to be undertaken with both federal and state funds.

The existing Stacey Road Intersection is a “Y” type, controlled by two stop signs at both Stacey Road approaches to Route 37.  The proposed improvements involve realigning Stacey Road to form a signalized “T” type intersection with Route 37.  Stacey Road will have a two-lane approach to Route 37.  Route 37 will be realigned to have a gentle curve through the intersection and an exclusive southbound left-turn lane.  Safety and capacity will be improved by providing left-turn lanes sheltered from through traffic.  Sight distances to queued traffic will be improved.  The estimated total cost of this project is approximately $4,000,000.

The existing Barnum Road Intersection consists of a “T” type intersection with stop sign control at the Barnum Road approach to Route 37.  The proposed improvements involve widening the Route 37 northbound shoulder to allow traffic the opportunity to pass vehicles waiting to make a left turn onto Barnum Road.  The improvements also involve widening the Barnum Road southbound shoulder at its Route 37 intersection to allow traffic the opportunity to pass vehicles waiting to make a left turn onto Route 37.  No additional signalization is proposed.  The estimated total cost of this project is approximately $1,000,000.

Additionally, the sidewalk fronting the Stetson Place property will be extended north to the intersection at Barnum Road in keeping with the City of Danbury’s long term plan to provide a pedestrian connection along this corridor.  At least one existing storm drain will require relocation and additional drainage structures will be installed along the new curb line at the west shoulder of Route 37.

Construction for both projects is anticipated to begin in spring of 2017 and anticipated to last twenty months.  Two lanes of traffic will be maintained during this period, as Route 37 will be temporarily widened to accommodate this activity. 

The public information meeting is being held to afford a full opportunity for public participation and to allow open discussion of any views and comments the community may have concerning this proposed project.

The meeting facility is ADA accessible.  Spanish language assistance will be provided.  Additional language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department’s Office of Communications (voice only) at (860) 594-3062 at least five (5) working days prior to the meetings.  Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to requests for assistance.

Plans of the proposed project will be on display for public review.  Department personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss this project.  More detailed information is available at the Department’s Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Connecticut, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.  Anyone wishing to discuss the project may contact Richard B. Armstrong at (860) 594-3191 or by e-mail at Richard.Armstrong@ct.gov.  Plans are also available for review at the Danbury City Hall, 155 Deer Hill Avenue, Danbury, Connecticut.