Tolland council authorizes application for state grant to build sidewalks on Route 195
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Summary
The council unanimously authorized the town manager to apply to the Capital Region Council of Governments for a Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program grant to construct ADA‑compliant sidewalks on Route 195 between Bridal Mill and Route 84; DOT would cover construction if awarded and the town would likely cover design (estimated at about 10% of construction cost).
The Tolland Town Council on Jan. 13 authorized the town manager to submit an application to the Capital Region Council of Governments for a Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program grant to build sidewalks along Route 195 between Bridal Mill and Route 84.
"DOT, if awarded, will pay 100% of the construction cost," said Megan Masa, the town’s grants and projects manager. Masa told the council the town’s likely match would be design costs — typically about 10% of construction — and that design is expected to exceed $100,000, a figure the town might bond if necessary.
Masa said the project aims to fill an existing gap in pedestrian infrastructure and improve safety and accessibility: the plan calls for ADA‑compliant sidewalks on both sides where warranted, textured surfaces at driveway crossings, rectangular rapid‑flashing beacons at key crossings, and crosswalk improvements. She told the council the Department of Transportation has already identified one crosswalk near town hall for a rapid beacon in the 2028 construction season.
Masa described outreach to property owners: the town held a public information meeting on May 13 and sent letters to impacted owners; three property owners met with staff and expressed support. The town also used concept work from a university student design project but is preparing an engineer’s concept plan for the formal application and DOT review.
Councilors asked about timetable and costs. Masa said applications will be reviewed by the Capital Region COG and then forwarded to DOT; the process is expected to be slow, with DOT review later in the year and construction not anticipated the following summer. She emphasized that if the grant is not awarded, the town does not intend to fund construction from local tax dollars.
The council voted unanimously to authorize the application and to permit the town manager to execute any agreements if the town is selected for a grant.
