South Windsor refers Governor's Highway reconstruction and $3.5M roundabout concept after commissioners' vote

The South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission on June 23 voted to provide a positive Connecticut General Statute §8-24 referral for a Governor's Highway East reconstruction project that includes a proposed modern roundabout adjacent to Talbot Lane. The referral advanced by roll call (five in favor, two opposed) sends the concept for regional and state review.

Public works Director Vincent Stetson presented the plan and framed the roundabout as the town’s legally feasible tool to address truck traffic and speeding that residents report on Governors Highway. Stetson said the town has been studying the corridor since 2022, reviewed multiple alternatives (mid-block dead end, gates, speed humps, one-way, and weight limits), and rejected several options as operationally infeasible or contrary to state law. He described the roundabout as sized to accommodate tractor-trailers and to provide a turnaround so trucks can return to Route 5 instead of traversing the residential stretch.

Stetson cited survey results sent to nearby addresses in February 2026: 52 responses out of 135 mailed (a 39% response rate), of which 44 supported and six opposed the roundabout. He also told commissioners the town has been awarded roughly $3,500,000 that would cover the project including the modern roundabout; he said design is about 90% complete and staff will continue coordination with CROG and Connecticut DOT. Tentative milestones cited included returning CROG comments in summer/fall 2026, submittal to ConnDOT in fall 2026, funding commitment letters in spring 2027, and potential construction in summer 2027 if approvals and funding align.

Commission discussion focused on truck counts, what types of trucks use the route, whether the roundabout could be designed to deter trucks, and how emergency and service vehicles would be accommodated. Staff said vehicle and truck counts exist (from traffic consultants and local police) and that the proposed roundabout is designed to handle 18-wheelers; staff also noted signage and driver compliance would be voluntary unless legally posted by the state.

The commission approved providing a positive referral by roll call (five aye, two nay); the chair declared the motion carried. The project will move forward for regional review with CROG and subsequent coordination with ConnDOT.

Quotes: "This is the only legal feasible option, to help solve the truck and speeding issue that is being perceived on Governor's Highway," Public Works Director Vincent Stetson said. He added: "Currently, we have been awarded, $3,500,000 roughly for this project, which includes the cost of the modern roundabout."

Next steps: The referral will proceed through CROG and ConnDOT review; staff expects funding-commitment letters by spring 2027 if reviews go as outlined, after which the town could proceed toward construction.