The Wait Begins For Massive Avon Road Reconfiguration

AVON, CT — Plans for a massive road project aimed at improving traffic safety and congestion issues in a heavily traveled part of town are complete and close to being reviewed by the state.

But it will be months before the town can, even, hire a contractor to do the work.

Voters last Dec. 14 approved the first phase of the Old Farms Road reconfiguration project, which would widen and shift portions of the heavily traveled roadway and, presumably, improve safety and cut down on accidents.

In an update late last week, the Town of Avon said complete designs for the project were sent out March 30 to the Capital Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) for a review.

"Comments received from CRCOG are expected to be minor and will be addressed by town and consulting staff," wrote Avon officials April 13.

Included in the design package sent for review are, according to Avon officials, "design drawings, specifications and various administrative documents."

Those looking to see bulldozers and temporary traffic disruptions for the project, however, will still have to wait.

The CRCOG review is expected to take two to three weeks, according to Avon officials, before the Connecticut Department of Transportation can, even, review the plans.

For there, according to town officials, more waiting is expected.

"This is expected to take two to three months," the Town of Avon wrote on the state review of the project. "Once their comments are addressed, we anticipate finalizing a bid package and putting the project out for construction bidding. "

Last December's referendum approval formally appropriated $5.46 million in state dollars to relocate, construct and reconstruct portions of Old Farms Road, which would constitute the first phase of an expected two-phase project.

Essentially, plans call for the shifting and widening of Old Farms Road onto property currently owned by Avon Old Farms School.

The hope is doing so would improve the geometry and widen the frequently-traveled roadway to avoid accidents in the area.

According to town officials, 91 percent of accidents on that stretch of road are due to the roadway's issues.

The second phase of this project involves additional Old Farms Road re-alignments and the replacing of two bridges to widen lanes and improve safety.

No price tag has been finalized for this phase, but town officials said its likely this will not be fully covered by the state and town bonding would be required.

For updated project information, Avon officials said folks should visit the Town of Avon Engineering Department's webpage at this link.

From Dec. 14, 2022: 'Avon Voters Say 'Yes' To Massive Road Reconfiguration'