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Torrington seeks federal planning funds to redesign High School intersection; roundabout discussed
Summary
The council authorized a Safe Streets and Roads for All planning grant application of up to $300,000 for a Torrington High School intersection project, with a 20% ($60,000) local match to be budgeted in FY2028; Economic Development Director William Wallach cited vehicle queuing, pedestrian crossings at unmarked locations, and red‑light violations during bus operations.
The Torrington City Council on May 18 authorized a planning grant application to U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program to study and redesign the intersection near Torrington High School.
By unanimous vote the council adopted Resolution #143‑293 to apply for up to $300,000 in planning funds and committed to the required 20 percent local match ($60,000), which the resolution states would be funded from FY2028 appropriations if the grant is awarded. Economic Development Director William Wallach told the council the grant would fund a focused traffic safety analysis and redesign plan for the Winthrop Street/Major Bessie Drive intersection and the broader high‑school area. Wallach identified problems the study would address: excessive vehicle queuing on Winthrop Street during drop‑off and pickup, pedestrians crossing at unmarked locations, and observed red‑light violations while school buses discharge students.
Wallach said preliminary discussions with engineering firm VHB suggested a potential roundabout solution that might require partial use of Oliver Wolcott Technical High School property; city staff have contacted the State Department of Administrative Services about a possible easement. He also noted Torrington’s status as a distressed municipality may allow in‑kind contributions to count toward the local match. Councilor Paul Cavagnero said he was frustrated the intersection remained a known safety issue through the high school construction process but indicated he would support applying for the grant.
If awarded, the planning grant would fund design and safety analysis work; the resolution commits the city to the match only if the grant is received and budgeted in FY2028. The economic development office is listed as the implementing department and will submit the application as authorized by the Mayor.
