Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D) and the New Britain state legislative delegation, State Sen Rick Lopes (D-6), Rep Manny Sanchez (D-24), Rep Iris Sanchez (D-25), Rep Dave DeFronzo (D-26) and Rep Gary Turco (D-27) announced that the city has been awarded a $788,210 grant for critical pedestrian traffic signal improvements.
The funding, allocated through the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (CTDOT) Community Connectivity Grant Program, will support the city’s “Vision Zero” initiative. The overarching goal of the grant program, the state legislators said, “supports municipal infrastructure improvements with the intent of making town centers safer and more welcoming.”
The office of Mayor Sanchez said the newly secured funds serve to improve safety downtown by upgrading downtown pedestrian signals.
The project will modernize pedestrian crossings at 22 downtown intersections and 10 mid-block crossings. Mayor Sanchez highlighted this as a prime example of delivering state and federal resources to invest in infrastructure that improves the quality of life for everyone..
The state legislators said that they welcomed the funding, extending their gratitude to Governor Ned Lamont and the CTDOT for recognizing the city’s infrastructure needs.
State Senator Rick Lopes highlighted the broad impact the upgrades will have on the community:
“This grant is a tremendous win for the residents of New Britain,” said Senator Lopes. “Our city has long needed investments in pedestrian safety infrastructure, and these traffic signal improvements will make our streets safer for walkers, bicyclists, and drivers. I am grateful to Governor Lamont for his continued commitment to Connecticut’s cities and for making investments like this.”
Ensuring that the city remains a vibrant and walkable environment was a recurring theme among the representatives. Representative Manny Sanchez noted that community vitality is directly tied to the safety of its infrastructure:
“Pedestrian safety is of utmost importance in our communities, and our infrastructure must be reflected as much,” Rep Manny Sanchez said. “That’s why I am thrilled with the safety improvements set for the Vision Zero New Britain Traffic Signal. If we want to remain a thriving, vibrant community, we must ensure that streets and sidewalks are safe. This is great news. Many thanks to the CT Department of Transportation and Governor Lamont for approving the funds to make this happen.”
Similarly, Representatives Dave DeFronzo and Iris Sanchez championed the funds as a step toward comprehensive accessibility:
“This investment in pedestrian safety improvements is an important step toward making New Britain’s streets safer for all pedestrians and drivers,” said Rep. Iris Sanchez. “Upgrading traffic signals and pedestrian infrastructure will help prevent accidents and improve accessibility. I am grateful for Connecticut’s commitment to keeping our roads [safe].”
“This $788,210 investment will ensure residents can safely cross the street, use our sidewalks, and enjoy our roads,” said Rep. Dave DeFronzo. “We are committed to increasing pedestrian safety and making New Britain more walkable and accessible. Thank you to the Connecticut Department of Transportation and Governor Lamont for recognizing the importance of these critical safety improvements and delivering this funding for New Britain.”
State Representative Gary Turco emphasized the importance of this proactive approach and the ongoing partnership between the state and local communities:
“I am a strong supporter of Vision Zero and the ongoing effort to make our roads safer for everyone, especially pedestrians and cyclists,” said Rep. Turco. “Since the pandemic, communities across Connecticut have seen troubling increases in reckless driving, serious injuries, and traffic fatalities. This grant represents a critical investment in public safety that will help New Britain implement proven strategies to reduce crashes and save lives. It also reflects the importance of strong partnerships between the state and our municipalities as we work together to build safer, more connected communities.”
The upcoming Vision Zero improvements are expected to not only streamline traffic flow but also provide crucial peace of mind for the pedestrians and cyclists navigating New Britain’s busy downtown corridors.
