Town, DOT Cut Ribbon On Route 44 Intersection Reconstruction [VIDEO]

In a refreshing change, a state project to of West Middle Turnpike, Center Street and New State Road was completed on time - but it was the ribbon cutting ceremony to recognize the improvements that was delayed. 

Motorists in Manchester have largely grown accustomed and familiar to the revamped intersection since the $5.3 million state-funded project was completed in the spring, while the town and the Connecticut Department of Transportation just got around to formally recognizing the project's completion in a ribbon cutting ceremony held Tuesday morning in the parking lot of Howell Cheney Technical High School. Several motorists slowed to inquire about the commotion, but then just as quickly drove away once they discovered it wasn't caused by a visit from a celebrity, athlete or a famous politician. 

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"It is great to be here and to celebrate," said DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker. "To celebrate partnerships, to celebrate people and to celebrate a project."  

The project was intended to revitalize the intersections and provide better access to two of the town's high schools, and nearby . The main entrances to Cheney Tech and East Catholic both lay within the intersections, while West Middle Turnpike and Center Street are two of the town's main thoroughfares. Many motorists use New State Road as a shortcut to the and the surrounding retail outlets as well. 

The project, entirely funded through the state, saw the reconstruction, realignment and widening of the existing intersection where the three roads converge, as well as the installation of new drainage systems, traffic signals, sidewalks and bike paths and plantings throughout the surrounding area.

"These two intersections clearly have been a challenge," said Redeker. "Today, as a result of this project, those challenges for school bus drivers, for public transit drivers, for students coming in and out are now improved to a degree that we've got just a beautiful fix for traffic, a fix for the community, a sensitive design for pedestrians and for bicycles and an accommodation for a trail." 

Among the state and local dignitaries who attended Tuesday's ribbon cutting ceremony were Redeker, Deputy Mayor Jay Moran, several members of the Board of Directors, Cheney Tech Principal Robert Sartoris, Fire Chief Robert Bycholski and Police Chief Marc Montminy. 

"As a principal of a high school certainly one of my primary concerns is always that of safety for all members of the school community," said Sartoris. "For many years, unfortunately, getting to and from school was not always the safest…but now we don't have to say that anymore." 

Editor's Note: Manchester Patch Editor David Moran is in no way related to Deputy Mayor Jay Moran, but does think his last name is pretty cool.