CROG subcommittee recommends $1.2 million increase for Windsor Locks downtown Complete Streets project

The CROG Transportation Subcommittee voted to recommend that the full transportation committee approve a $1,200,000 funding increase and scope modification for the Windsor Locks Downtown SR 159 Complete Streets project, raising the project total to $6,500,000.

Staff said the project—designed to connect the new train station and bus service to the airport in Windsor Locks—received a Commitment to Fund in June 2018 for a little over $3.5 million and was later increased to $5.3 million on Nov. 15, 2021 under a cap. Satoria told the subcommittee the town’s new administration and administrative changes delayed progress and prompted the current funding request to advance the project.

“Although the requested funding increase falls within the established 30% threshold, the town is seeking approval because the project was previously subject to that funding cap,” Stephanie said, explaining that higher unit prices and construction escalation drive most of the request. Stephanie itemized the largest cost drivers: pavement milling and asphalt ($245,000), drainage improvements and granite curbing ($190,000), ornamental lighting ($390,000) and additional Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) ($68,000). She said those items total about $893,000 of the requested increase; the balance reflects general escalation and estimation adjustments.

Stephanie also said the original plan included a roundabout at Main and Chestnut streets, but that the town revised the design after “extensive public outreach” and community opposition to the roundabout; the intersection is now planned as stop-controlled. She said the project’s overall safety and streetscape goals—raised crosswalks, upgraded sidewalks, a landscape median, parking adjustments and ornamental lighting—remain the same.

Devon Copperway of Windsor Locks thanked staff for the presentation and said administrative turnover had stalled work; “we’ve been trying to progress this along so we can get the project approved,” Copperway said. John Sabino, the first selectman from Windsor Locks, spoke in support and said the town wants to wrap up the project.

Steve Solplak moved that the subcommittee recommend the funding increase and scope modification to the full transportation committee; Larry Murrell seconded. The voice vote passed with members in favor and no opposition recorded. Staff said the item will appear on the full committee’s agenda later the same day.