A Plan To Make Route 146 in Guilford Better Heads To The Public

GUILFORD, CT – The unique and scenic road connecting Guilford and Branford is getting an updated Corridor Management Plan, and state officials want the communities input.

Connecticut Route 146 is a 13 Mile stretch between Boston Post Road in Guilford and North Main Street in Branford.

The first public meeting of the Route 146 Corridor Management Plan is at Branford Fire Headquarters on 45 N. Main St. at 6 p.m.

A Corridor Management Plan (CMP) takes a bigger picture look at the land and community the road travels through and gives residents more chances to weigh in. It focuses more on protecting the unique qualities and things—historical and environmental—that make the corridor special.

The goals of the Route 146 CMP are to preserve the route’s unique qualities, involve the community, protect natural and cultural resources, improve bike and pedestrian access, climate and sea level preparedness, increased safety, maintain infrastructure, establish a working group and balance needs and requirements.

In 2019, a corridor study for Route 146 was started by the South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG), and an existing conditions report was created in early 2021. Most of the road is a State Scenic Roadway going through many different areas, from downtown commercial areas in Branford and Guilford near US Route 1 to more rural and less-populated residential areas along the marshy coastline.

People asked for a more comprehensive corridor review during the Corridor Study because of its many historical, cultural and environmental resources.

SCRCOG and state officials agreed a Corridor Management Plan was a better way to look at how to protect and enhance Route 146’s unique qualities and character.

A previous CMP for Route 146 was developed in 1996. The vision for this CMP was to preserve and protect the unique qualities of Route 146.

Community members can submit comments and questions during the two-week public comment period following the meeting. Direct comments and questions by May 9th to: DOT.Route146@ct.gov and 860-594-2020 or complete the feedback form on the project website at https://route146cmp.com/get-involved.html.