Mayor Sanchez, State Officials and Federal Legislators Announce $14.7 Million Remake East Side Intersection

Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D), joined by Governor Ned Lamont (D), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D) U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D) and U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (D-5), CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto and State Representative David DeFronzo (D-26) announced a major $14.7 million federal BUILD Grant aimed at completely overhauling the intersection of East Main Street, East Street and Newington Avenue.

“This funding is a major victory for New Britain and for everyone who travels through this corridor every day,” said Mayor Bobby Sanchez. “For years, residents have identified this intersection as one of the city’s most dangerous and frustrating roadways. This $14.7 million investment allows us to finally address those concerns with a project that will save lives, improve traffic flow, and create a safer, more welcoming entrance to our city. This is exactly what happens when local, state, and federal partners work together to deliver real results for our community.”

City officials say that the existing offset, a signalized Z-curve has been a notorious spot for local drivers and pedestrians, adding that, over the past decade alone, the intersection has been the site of 94 crashes, 12 of which resulted in evident or disabling injuries.

The newly secured federal funding, city officials say, is to create aa conventional four-leg intersection with a complete streetscape transformation designed to prioritize both traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Planned enhancements include:

Upgraded, modernized traffic signals
New sidewalks and high-visibility crosswalks
ADA-accessible curb ramps
Decorative pedestrian lighting
The creation of two new pocket parks

Beyond immediate traffic safety, city officials emphasize that the redesign will significantly reduce daily congestion and strengthen vital community connections, adding that the new intersection alignment will provide safer, more reliable pedestrian access to the East Main Street CTfastrak station, Chamberlain Elementary School and downtown New Britain.