Politics & Government Stamford Aims To Make Atlantic Street Safer, More Complete The project was one of three that were discussed recently by the Stamford Transportation, Traffic & Parking Department
Stamford held an informational meeting last week on three projects that aim to increase roadway safety and enhance multi-modal options for residents. (Courtesy of city of Stamford) The proposed project areas in Stamford. (Courtesy of city of Stamford.)
STAMFORD, CT — The city of Stamford Transportation, Traffic & Parking Department held an informational meeting last week on three projects that aim to increase roadway safety and enhance multi-modal options for residents.
One of the projects involves the reconstruction of Atlantic Street between Broad Street and Tresser Boulevard. See also: Stamford Seeks To Establish New Permanent Public Plaza
See also: Stamford Looks To Address Dangerous Broad Street Corridor Traffic engineer for the city of Stamford, Jianhong Wang, explained why the project is being sought.
“With the relocation of the I-95 northbound Exit 8 ramp from Atlantic to Canal, Atlantic Street sees a reduced traffic volume, which provides an opportunity to change the character and the nature of Atlantic Street in Stamford Downtown,” Wang said. The street also has a significant number of retal establishments which generate high-pedestrian activities, and with several new residential developments in the area, pedestrian avctivity is expected to increase in the future.
Atlantic Street was also identified as a major north-south bike network in Stamford Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, Wang said. There have been several crashes on Atlantic Street in recent years, so the goal is to reduce vehicular traffic speeds.
One of the northbound travel lanes and median would be removed, and new on-street parking protected bike lanes wold be added. A raised intersection at Atlantic and Main is part of the project, as well as a raised midblock crosswalk near Kiwanis Park. Curb extensions would be added to reduce pedestrian crossing times. On-street parking would be included on both sides of the road, and new bus shelters with amenities would be constructed, Wang said. Current cost estimates are $4.5 million, with 65 percent coming from the state. The project is currently in the preliminary design phase, with construction estimated to begin in 2027, Wang noted. “This Atlantic Street Complete Street project has the opportunity to be a strategic downtown infrastructure project for the city to create a safer and more muilti-modal street that generates economic activity and improves safety and mobility for all users,” Wang said. There was a brief question and answer session after the project presentations, and residents praised the Transportation, Traffic & Parking Department for their work, especially Stamford Downtown President Michael Moore.