Public works to redesign Lowe/Flax Hill intersection during 2025 paving; commissioners raise truck-traffic and equity concerns

Norwalk Public Works staff told the Bike Walk Commission on Feb. 3 that milling, paving and sidewalk work on Flax Hill Road will proceed in 2025 and that the design will address a problem intersection at Lowe Street by shortening crossing distances and adding a crosswalk leg.

“The Flax Hill Road intersection is being looked at to where we kind of normalize it and tee it up, so we can shorten the crosswalk distance, even out that stop bar,” Greg Pacelli, city transportation staff, said during the meeting. Pacelli said the corridor design will add sidewalks and incorporate proper signage to keep parked cars away from corner sightlines and will evaluate whether dedicated bike facilities can be included in the pavement-marking plan.

Why it matters: Flax Hill is a frequent walking and cycling corridor for local commuters and residents. Improvements that shorten crossing distances and add sidewalks will affect pedestrian safety and the feasibility of bicycle facilities in a corridor that also carries truck traffic bound for Route 1.

Design and schedule

Pacelli said Public Works has a designer under contract and that milling and paving will include sidewalk work along Flax Hill from Highland to Washington. The city completed data collection and is currently developing pavement-marking plans to incorporate bike facilities where feasible. The department is treating the Flax Hill project as one of its early projects under Norwalk’s Complete Streets guidance.

Truck traffic and enforcement

Commissioner Christine Bisegli raised concerns about truck traffic using Flax Hill and adjacent streets to bypass MLK Drive and about the neighborhood’s relative lack of political visibility. Pacelli said the city cannot easily bar trucks without a technical justification and state approval, and that “if they have a stop in Norwalk, they are allowed to utilize that road.” He recommended collecting origin–destination and truck-count data if the commission wants a formal restriction considered.

Roundabout and other design elements

Public comment and staff indicated a roundabout is not planned for the Lowe/Flax Hill intersection because the available right-of-way and geometry do not support a modern roundabout that would accommodate heavy vehicles. Pacelli said the design will focus on narrowing travel lanes, establishing parking where appropriate and improving pedestrian crossings to lower vehicle speeds.

Community input and equity

Commissioners and a public commenter asked the commission to prioritize outreach to residents in the area and to consider truck impacts as part of corridor planning. Pacelli and other staff pointed to a broader Route 1 corridor study and encouraged commissioners to submit comments there as well; he also recommended residents use the city’s online Click & Request system to create a documented record for parking, pavement or safety complaints.

What’s next

Design work is underway and the city expects to include the Flax Hill project in the 2025 construction season if permitting and weather allow. Commissioners said they will continue to track truck-count data, community outreach and the marking plans that dictate where any bike facilities can be placed across Flax Hill.