Stamford Breaks Ground On Projects Aimed At Improving Safety

Aug 19, 2023

STAMFORD, CT — The city of Stamford recently broke ground on two projects which are aimed at improving pedestrian and motorist safety.

"We are very excited to get these projects off the ground as they will improve safety and create more pedestrian-friendly spaces, enhancing the vibrancy of our community," Mayor Caroline Simmons told Patch via an emailed statement. "Both projects also further the city's Vision Zero goals and I want to thank the Transportation, Traffic, and Parking Department for all their work leading these important efforts."

The Greenwich Avenue Corridor improvement project will relieve historical congestion issues in the Waterside Village neighborhood, according to the city.

The project includes the construction of Stamford's first roundabout at Greenwich Avenue and Pulaski Street, significant intersection improvements at Selleck Street/Southfield Avenue and Greenwich Avenue, and a one-way circulator on Greenwich Avenue and Davenport Street.

When combined, the three components of the project will "offer significant improvements to pedestrian, cyclist and vehicular mobility," the city said.

There will also be high visibility pedestrian crossings across all approaches and an aesthetic and vital link to the adjacent Stamford Transit Center.

According to the city of Stamford website, the construction cost is estimated to be around $3.9 million. Construction is expected to be finished in spring/summer 2024.

The area between Broad Street and Main Street is considered one of Stamford's premier dining and pedestrian destinations, but outdoor space for walking and dining is limited due to narrow sidewalks.

In order to make the area more pedestrian-friendly, sidewalks will be widened on lower Summer Street. There will also be an improved streetscape with new lights and trees, a dedicated bike line, a canopy of lights hanging over the roadway, and a raised intersection to increase pedestrian safety and improve connection to Kiwanis Park.

Prominent way finding signs will highlight nearby parking structures.

The project will cost $2 million, with $600,000 coming from the CTDOT Community Connectivity Grant Program, and $1.4 million from the city of Stamford.