Norwich Gets State Money To Build Sidewalks On West Town Street

NORWICH, CT — Norwich is on track to build some new sidewalks, thanks to grant money the town has received from the state.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is giving Norwich a $599,887 grant to build 0.6 miles of sidewalks along West Town Street on State Route 642.

The money comes from an initiative called the Community Connectivity Grant Program, which is designed to help towns fund construction projects to improve mobility, accessibility and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Norwich is among 17 Connecticut towns and cities that were awarded a total of $8.2 million under the program's fourth round, Gov. Ned Lamont's office announced this week.

In a statement, State Sen. Cathy Osten said the West Town Street area is "bustling and vibrant," but not pedestrian-friendly — something the city hopes to change through the grant.

"People shouldn't be forced to drive from store to store or walk in the breakdown lane of a very busy state road, if they're out running errands," Osten said. "These new sidewalks, paid for by the State of Connecticut, will increase citizen safety and increase business activity at the same time."

State Rep. Kevin Ryan agreed, and called the project "essential."

"I'd like to thank Governor Lamont and Commissioner Giulietti for their continued commitment to pedestrian safety throughout the state, especially for our community," Ryan said. "Installing a sidewalk will not only protect our residents, but visitors as well. I am thrilled that we now have the funds to complete this essential project."

Under the terms of the grant program, Norwich is expected to complete the sidewalk construction project within three years.