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Selectmen approve design contract to pursue $4 million LOTCIP construction funds for Easton Road sidewalks
Summary
The board awarded $365,000 to Ty and Bond to design Easton Road sidewalk and corridor improvements under a LOTCIP/WestCOG grant, explaining the town’s $400,000 design investment is intended to secure roughly $4,000,000 in state construction funding; residents urged clearer prioritization and bike safety measures.
The Westport Board of Selectmen voted Jan. 28 to approve a $365,000 contract with Ty and Bond for design, permitting and preparation of construction documents for the Easton Road sidewalk project. Director of Public Works Pete Rakowitz said the design investment (about $400,000) will make the town eligible for roughly $4,000,000 in state construction funding under the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) administered by WestCOG.
Rakowitz described the corridor improvements — including a new sidewalk on the south side between Weston Road and North Avenue, a segment that goes under the Merritt Parkway, and related safety elements — and said the project is prioritized because it improves access to schools and connects to prior sidewalk work. He noted state projects require multiple design and review steps and that construction is unlikely before 2027 or 2028.
RTM representative Jennifer Johnson and other commenters asked for greater transparency about how Easton Road was selected from among dozens of priorities in the town’s Safe Streets for All plan and pressed the board to include bike safety elements in the contract. Rakowitz said the town has pursued multiple grants and that the LOTCIP award provides a rare opportunity to move the project forward; selectmen encouraged ongoing public engagement and follow‑through on bicycle and pedestrian elements where feasible.
The board approved the design award by voice vote; staff will proceed with the design contract and continue coordinating with WestCOG and state review processes.
