Murphy, Blumenthal, Larson Announce $21.7 Million For Projects To Improve Pedestrian And Traffic Safety

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative John Larson (D-Conn.-01) on Wednesday announced three Connecticut projects will receive a total of $21.7 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation's 2024 RAISE grant program awards.

"RAISE grants are a great way for the federal government to help towns fund big infrastructure investments that transform our communities for the better," said Murphy. "This $21.7 million in federal funding will support projects to improve the commuting experience at South Norwalk Train Station, expand public transportation options and access to green spaces along the Naugatuck River Greenway Trail, and make the Berlin Turnpike safer and more convenient for pedestrians, bikers, and drivers. I was proud to fight for these projects, and I look forward to seeing their impact in our state."

"This monumental federal investment will be a seismic boost for key Connecticut communities. With reverberating impact around the state, the $21.7 million going to Norwalk, Naugatuck and the Hartford region will reduce pedestrian and bicycle crashes, and improve driver safety. These past few years have been among the most dangerous on record for walkers and bike riders, with heightened numbers of injuries and fatalities. Road safety is a crisis in Connecticut and countrywide. This investment will save lives and lead to more vibrant connected communities," said Blumenthal.

"The Berlin Turnpike Corridor supports jobs, services, and housing for thousands of Capitol Region residents, yet it remains one of our state's dangerous roads, with thousands of crashes and accidents over the last five years," said Larson. "I am thrilled to announce federal infrastructure funding to improve safety along the Berlin Turnpike and enhance multi-modal transit options for residents, including bike and pedestrian access. I continue to remain focused on securing funding for projects that advance community-led visions to address our region's needs."

The $21.7 million in federal funding includes $2 million for the Capitol Region Council of Governments to conduct a comprehensive study of the Berlin Turnpike to identify a feasible route and develop a conceptual plan to accommodate bicycle, pedestrian, and transit users along the corridor. The study will also provide recommendations to reduce vehicle speed and traffic, connect with active transportation networks, and plan for a potential multi-modal transit hub.

The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments will also receive $5.7 million for the Naugatuck River Greenway Trail Project to fund the environmental, engineering design, and pre-construction activities necessary for closing a 16.3-mile gap in the Naugatuck River Greenway Trail between Breen Field in Naugatuck and East Main Street in Thomaston.

The Norwalk Redevelopment Agency will receive $14 million for the MLK Corridor Equitable Mobility Enhancement Project to fund the construction of improvements to two miles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and six other roadways surrounding the South Norwalk Train Station. The project will include bicycle, pedestrian, and transit accommodations, connectivity enhancements, and additional wayfinding upgrades.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program helps communities around the country carry out transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact.

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