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Council accepts $656,400 state grant to widen East/Elm intersection for turning lanes
Summary
The New Milford Town Council approved acceptance of a Connecticut DOT grant of $656,400 for intersection widening and turning lanes at East Street (Route 202) and Elm Street to relieve congestion; the town will cover design fees and negotiate small easements.
The New Milford Town Council voted to accept a $656,400 Connecticut Department of Transportation commitment to fund improvements to the East Street (Route 202)/Elm Street intersection aimed at congestion relief.
The grant, part of state project L095005, will fund adding a short turning lane to improve northbound left-turn capacity and additional turning lanes in eastbound and westbound directions where space allows. Chuck Ballard, a design engineer with the town, said the work is planned for 2026–27 and that the town has already spent roughly $80,000 in final design fees. He said the only private-property impacts are limited to a hospital-owned parking parcel and that the town will negotiate small easements (about 6–8 feet) as needed.
Why it matters: The change aims to reduce backups caused when left-turning vehicles block through traffic at the intersection; engineers said the project will create a queue space for several left-turning cars approaching the signal, which should reduce congestion on a key corridor into town.
What the town must pay: The town remains responsible for design fees and any local match or incidental costs; council also approved authorization to enter easement discussions with the affected property owner.
Other infrastructure business: The council also approved formation of a scenic road committee required for the Cherniski Bridge work under local ordinance, authorized future borrowing authorizations ($10 million for roads and $10 million for bridges) and set a special town meeting for Feb. 9 to consider bonding if the board of finance approves.
