Redding/Dunham Road Roundabout In Fairfield Nears Completion

FAIRFIELD, CT — The new traffic roundabout at the intersection of Redding and Dunham roads in Fairfield is nearly finished, and the town will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony in December to celebrate, according to First Selectman Bill Gerber.

Construction on the roundabout, which may serve as a model for future roundabouts in town, began in October. It is designed to help slow down traffic through the area, while also improving sight lines at the low visibility intersection.

In a recent community update message to residents, Gerber wrote that extruded concrete curbing has been installed around the center island and approach lanes.

"Concrete is used in this project instead of the asphalt curbing used in surrounding roads, as concrete can better handle the stress and heavy loading inflicted on roundabouts," Gerber said.

The roundabout was modeled, in part, on similar roundabouts in Europe, and is being installed following the deaths of two pedestrians on Redding Road in recent years.

In July 2020, Pennsylvania resident Marileidy Morel-Araujo, 33, who was visiting family in Fairfield, was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Redding Road. The vehicle responsible for the fatality was driven by Declan P. Kot, who is currently serving seven years in prison for the crime.

The second fatality was that of Fairfield resident Meghan Raveis, 45, who was struck by a vehicle in June 2023. Meghan Rice, of Newtown, was the driver of the vehicle and was arrested on a charge of negligent homicide with a motor vehicle and related violations. Rice's case is still pending.

In addition to the new roundabout, Fairfield has made other safety improvements along Redding Road, "including edge lines that visually narrow the road and slow drivers, center rumble strips that warn drivers when they leave their lane, and reflective post delineators on all speed limit signs on Redding Road that catch the attention of drivers, especially at night."

The ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the roundabout on Dec. 13, according to Gerber.