Update Issued On Proposed Adaptive Signal Control Technology Improvements In Greenwich

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Department of Public Works on Wednesday issued an update on the proposed Route 1 Corridor Adaptive Signal Control Technology Improvement project.

DPW said it is now in the process of obtaining authorization to bid the project from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), which is administering grant funding through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program.

The purpose of the project is to improve air quality, reduce congestion, minimize delays and decrease travel time along the Route 1 corridor as well as decrease exit ramp queuing on I-95 at Exit 5.

Signal control technology will be upgraded along Route 1 to better handle fluctuations in traffic demand in real time.

Upgrades to make all intersections in the study area fully ADA compliant with accessible push buttons and curb ramps are included.

The project study area covers all 27 signalized intersections along Route 1 (East/West Putnam Avenue) from New York to Stamford, plus two associated signals on Field Point Road, DPW said.

Based upon an assessment of the final design plans, design, construction, and inspection costs are anticipated to be approximately $3.4 million, according to DPW.

The Federal Highway Administration will provide 100 percent reimbursement up to the full grant amount of $4 million.

Following the bid advertisement, which is anticipated in early 2026, DPW said it expects construction to begin in spring 2026 and last approximately a year.

Following significant public feedback in the months after the presentation of preliminary designs (June 2024), DPW said it has revised the pedestrian phasing plans for numerous intersections as follows.

Exclusive Phasing (18 intersections)

The following signalized intersections will retain exclusive pedestrian phasing due to higher levels of pedestrian activity, proximity to schools, and/or complex intersection geometry.

• All intersections in Central Greenwich and Cos Cob, from Brookside Drive to River Road (except Milbank Ave/Maher Ave/Maple Ave – see below).
• Route 1 at Western Junior Highway.
• Route 1 at I-95 Exit 5/Neil Lane

Where exclusive phasing is being utilized, congestion, air quality, and travel time improvements will be reduced; however, overall improvements relative to existing conditions are still expected, DPW noted.

Concurrent Pedestrian Phasing (11 Intersections)

The following signalized intersections along Route 1 will receive concurrent pedestrian phasing to reduce wait times for pedestrians and further improve traffic congestion.

• All intersections from East Weaver Street/Holly Hill Lane to Prospect Street/Edgewood Drive.
• Route 1 at Milbank Ave/Maple Ave/Maher Ave
• All intersections west of the Mianus River except the Exit 5/Neil Lane intersection (see above).

DPW said concurrent phasing is "a safe and effective tool used throughout the United States that promotes increased compliance of pedestrians crossing when they have the right of way."

Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPI) are being added at each concurrent-phasing intersection for each crosswalk possible to provide pedestrians a brief exclusive "head start" period before parallel traffic receives a green light.

More information and project updates can be found on the town website.