Western Connecticut Council of Governments

This Master Plan Study establishes an implementable vision to transform the Route 1 corridor in Norwalk into a safer, more efficient, and vibrant multimodal gateway. It focuses on eliminating fatalities and serious injuries, providing convenient and accessible connectivity for all modes, and creating an attractive environment. Key strategies include a comprehensive corridor-wide redesign with completed sidewalks, new crosswalks, a continuous multi-use path, modernized traffic signals for improved flow and pedestrian safety, roadway right-sizing, and placemaking through environmental enhancements and public art. The plan aims to enhance safety, mobility, equity, and quality of life, positioning Route 1 as both a critical regional connector and a livable main street.

The Norwalk Route 1 Corridor Master Plan Study aims to identify and evaluate mobility and land-use conditions to propose recommendations for improved transportation use, safety, and accessibility. Its vision is to deliver coordinated land use and transportation design that enhances safety for all road users, connects communities to jobs and amenities, improves quality of life, and creates a vibrant gateway to Norwalk. Key goals include eliminating fatalities and serious injuries, providing convenient multimodal connectivity, removing access barriers, fostering an attractive gateway, and enhancing sustainable economic development through implementable solutions. This document, Technical Memorandum 1, provides an assessment of existing conditions, analyzing transportation systems, demographics, land use, and environmental factors to inform the Master Plan's recommendations.

Key discussions included a review of the upcoming COG Meeting Agenda and updates from the Legislative Committee, which anticipates sharing draft proposals in December and hosting a Legislative Reception in January. A Special Meeting is scheduled for January 8th to discuss SS PA 25 -1. The committee also discussed submitting an application for the Climate Resilience Fund and preparing an on-call list for planning consultants for municipal use. An appeal was filed regarding a PURA decision. Program updates covered transportation projects such as RAISE, SS4A, Regional Transit Study, LOTCIP, and the annual highway safety targets presentation. Regional planning efforts included updates on ADA Transition Plans, the paused Firearms Training Facility project, ongoing Economic Development support, and the Flood Assistance Program. Progress was noted on the Regional Waste Authority, with Phase 1 awaiting DEEP approval to initiate Phase 2 implementation. Grant applications discussed involved the CTDEEP Recreational Trails Grant Program, FEMA's HMP Grant Program, and the EPA Community Wide Assessment Grant.

The document, part of the WESTCOG Route 1 Corridor Master Plan Study, presents detailed projected traffic volume figures for the year 2040. It outlines peak hour volumes across various intersections and road segments within the corridor, providing essential data to support comprehensive long-term transportation planning, strategic decision-making, and future infrastructure development initiatives.

The combined meeting agenda for the Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG), Housatonic Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (HVMPO), and South Western Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (SWRMPO) included several key discussion points. A featured presentation was scheduled from Congressman Jim Himes regarding the Build America Caucus, along with presentations on Traffic Calming and Complete Streets Best Practices by Toole Design Group, and an update on CT Tire Stewardship. WestCOG Action Items included the election of officers, adoption of Resolution 2026-02-19 #01 for Regional Services Grant Contracted Services, LOTCIP Adjustments, and a Financial Update. MPO Action Items covered the election of officers and the FY25-FY28 Transportation Improvement Program. Information items addressed Transit Safety Measures and Targets, the Draft FY 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Program, 2026 Active Transportation Microgrants Program, 2027-2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Project Solicitation, a report on Noise Ordinances of CT, and a Legislative Update.