Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Road Closures Detours topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Traffic Authority approved Fort Pointe detour; commissioners press for clearer pedestrian/cyclist communications
Summary
The Traffic Authority has approved the detour plan for Fort Pointe Street work tied to a Walkbridge transmission relocation, and city staff said pedestrian access will remain open while cyclists are asked to follow vehicle traffic through the detour.
Commission staff told the Bike Walk Commission March 3 that a Fort Pointe Street closure tied to a Walkbridge transmission-relocation project will include a detour plan that preserves pedestrian access and routes cyclists with vehicle traffic.
Becca Stoll described an Eversource notice she had received about road closures and said the messaging did not clearly state whether pedestrians or cyclists would be affected. City transportation staff (TMP) and Greg explained that the Fort Pointe closure and detour were reviewed and approved by the Traffic Authority and that Eversource must submit detour plans for encroachment permits. The city said it will ask utility contractors to state pedestrian and cyclist impacts up front in public notices.
The approved detour reroutes vehicles onto Reynolds Avenue and South Smith Street while maintaining a pedestrian passage protected by temporary barriers; cyclists should follow vehicle traffic through this segment, staff advised, because there are no dedicated bike facilities through the detour area. Staff said they will work with utility companies to include pedestrian and cyclist guidance in future notices and to coordinate with the Traffic Authority on safety measures.
Commissioners also discussed crosswalk and sidewalk improvements for East Norwalk tied to the Millpond (Cemetery Street/1 Cemetery Street) development and the Walkbridge program. Staff said the developer's planning approvals are documented on the Planning & Zoning website and that DOT (State Route 136) and Walkbridge project improvements will be coordinated to provide new sidewalks, crosswalks, signage and better pedestrian access to the train station. Staff noted the multi-agency nature of the project and that construction and schedules are subject to change.
Commissioners asked whether transit routes would be affected; staff said they did not expect NTD routes to be rerouted for the Fort Pointe work and would coordinate with transit if necessary.
Commissioners urged staff to require clearer dissemination by contractors so that affected residents and cyclists know whether they can pass through and how.
