Streets across Connecticut will become obsolete this week as the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) begins a new standard across all street projects in the Constitution State.
Last week, CTDOT unveiled new design criteria that will make sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks a standard on all major state road projects.
This Complete Streets policy is a nationwide push to build roadways that are more hospitable to pedestrian and cyclists while addressing the spike in road deaths.
Last year, Connecticut saw 73 pedestrian deaths due to collisions, with over 200 injuries, the highest toll in decades. Luckily, the pace has slowed in 2023, however, state officials want to end traffic deaths altogether.
Complete Streets in Connecticut goes back to 2010 when former Gov. Jodi Rell signed a law, mandating that at least 1% of the spending on highway and road projects be earmarked for improving access to pedestrians and cyclists.
The new design criteria will apply to any projects that involve reconstruction or redesign of state roads, which make up about one-fifth of Connecticut’s road miles. Beginning next year, the criteria will also become standard for local projects funded by certain state grants. Smaller projects, such as patchwork or installing new signage, will be exempt from the criteria.
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Source: SFGate.com
