Pedestrian, Cyclist Safety Improvements Underway In Stonington

STONINGTON, CT — Improvements to pedestrian and cyclist safety are underway in Stonington. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is working on fixing traffic control signals in 11 communities across the state.

Crews are developing plans to replace the traffic control signaling on Route 27 at Coogan Boulevard and I-95. It's unclear exactly what the upgrades will be, which could include a countdown clock, accessible push buttons, and sidewalk ramps.

"It is really important to provide more tools to keep drivers and pedestrians safe especially on such a busy stretch of Route 27," State Rep. Aundré Bumgardner (D – Groton, Stonington) said in a statement. "These upgrades will allow pedestrians visiting Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Seaport, and Olde Mistick Village to move around the town with more peace of mind."

Design plans for the project are expected to be completed in May 2024.

"This is another example of the important work we can do when we collaborate to address problems within our communities. We are grateful to those involved from the state and local level who helped make these improvements a reality," Stonington First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough said in a statement.

In addition to improving pedestrian and cyclist safety, Bumgardner wants to take steps to prevent wrong-way crashes. According to Garrett Eucalitto, the incoming Commissioner of Transportation, 80% of wrong-way crashes involved an impaired driver. Bumgardner plans to support legislation addressing that issue in the legislative session.