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Norwalk commissioners outline first modern roundabout plan; outreach and education planned
Summary
Commissioners and TMP staff reviewed preliminary designs for a roundabout at South Main Street near the new school, discussed phased removal of a concrete rail spur, sight-line improvements, truck accommodations and a public outreach campaign; designers are exploring an 8–10 foot multiuse path that could link to a future rail-trail.
City transportation staff and commissioners used the Feb. 9 meeting to update the Bike-Walk Commission on a proposed modern roundabout at the bottom of South Main Street and on related pedestrian and multiuse-path ideas.
According to the project briefing, Phase 1 will remove an existing concrete rail spur and clear the site to improve sight lines, after which design work will continue through winter and spring. Staff encouraged continued public comment and said they are collecting community feedback to refine the design. Commissioners emphasized education and outreach: Brian Clark said roundabouts work well once drivers know how to use them but acknowledged community concerns about truck movements. Project staff said they will prepare educational materials and videos to help residents learn how to navigate the new intersection.
Staff also said designers are looking at an 8–10 foot multiuse path adjacent to the school on South Main Street as part of project limits; that corridor could become a future rail-trail connection toward South Norwalk Station. The proposed sidewalks on Chestnut Hill Road—presented at a separate Cranberry Elementary public information meeting—were described as a priority first step and will require Connecticut Department of Transportation and Merritt Parkway committee approvals because the work is on a state road.
What’s next: staff will advance the design, consider truck-turning needs, coordinate required state approvals for Chestnut Hill, and work with the commission to develop outreach materials before construction begins.
