Green (lighter gray in hard copy) ) designates existing
four lane roadways, while red (darker gray in hard copy) indicates
two lane roadways proposed for expansion to four lanes.
See full region on larger map.

1. DANBURY'S NEAR FUTURE
TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS:

Projects listed in this section have various forms of Conn DOT recognition for future construction funding. The goal is to keep these projects moving forward.

ROUTE 6 (LAKE AVENUE AND MILL PLAIN ROAD)
WIDENING FROM KENOSIA AVENUE EAST TO I-84 EXIT 4
Having a two lane cross section now, on this part of Route 6 Conn DOT Project 34-288 will provide for the development of a four lane cross section plus dedicated turning lanes. Traffic signals will be updated and interconnected.

The percent design completion is 90% and the status of acquisition of needed right of way is 100%. However due to statewide funding shortfalls late in 2009 Conn DOT temporarily removed federal funding for this project from the HVCEO 2010-2013 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The Conn DOT contact is Robert Reilly at (860) 594-2199, robert.reilly@ct.gov.

ROUTE 7 WIDENING FROM 1.2 MILES
NORTH OF STARRS PLAIN ROAD NORTHERLY TO THE
EXPRESSWAY SECTION NEAR WOOSTER HEIGHTS ROAD
Conn DOT Project 34-260 continues widening northward to link up with the existing Route 7 Expressway section near Wooster Heights Road. Construction is in progress.

Leaders kick off the widening of Route 7 between Danbury and
Ridgefield on August 15, 2005. From left are Ridgefield First Selectman
Rudy Marconi, Ridgefield State Representative John Frey, Governor Jodi
Rell, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, and Conn DOT Commissioner Korta.

ROUTE 37 IN VICINITY OF I-84 EXIT 6
Via Conn DOT Project 34-313, the I-84 eastbound on-ramp at Route 37 will be signalized. Route 37 will be widened to four lanes plus a turning lane under I-84 and north to Hayestown Avenue, and then to four lanes from Hayestown Avenue to south of the bridge over Padanaram Brook. Conn DOT correspondence as of 11/2009 indicates that project design is at an approximate 80% completion level.

Due to statewide funding shortfalls late in 2009 Conn DOT temporarily removed federal funding for this project from the HVCEO 2010-2013 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). However due to concerns raised by State and City officials during October 2009, Conn DOT agreed as of 11/10/2009 that design activity for this project may continue in anticipation of reinstatement on the TIP.

ROUTE 37 SIGNALIZATION AT STACEY ROAD
Conn DOT Project No. 34-305 concerns the realignment and signalization of the intersection of Route 37 with Stacy Road. Semi-final design is nearly complete.

This project will realign Stacey Road to form a "T" type intersection with Route 37, provide a two lane approach from Stacey Road, and widen Route 37 to provide an exclusive left turn lane southbound. Signalization of the intersection is proposed and a slight flattening of the Route 37 curve is possible.

But due to statewide funding shortfalls, late in 2009 Conn DOT temporarily removed federal funding for this project from the HVCEO 2010-2013 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The Conn DOT contact is Andy Fesenmeyer at (860) 594-3228, andy.fesenmeyer@ct.gov.

ROUTE 53 INTERSECTION WITH SOUTH
STREET, COAL PIT HILL ROAD AND TRIANGLE STREET
The goal of Conn DOT Project 34-324 is to improve the alignment and traffic capacity of South Street (Route 53) at Triangle Street and Coal Pit Hill Road. The Conn DOT concept for the improvement was presented to the public in Danbury on 0/27/2005. Right of way and construction phases are proceeding with federal safety program funds.

CONSTRUCT AN I-84 EASTBOUND
AUXILIARY LANE BETWEEN EXITS 1 AND
2 AND RELATED RAMP IMPROVEMENTS
As Conn DOT Project 34-0330, this improvement as of 10/2009 retains its funding commitment on the regional TIP. This upgrade is part of the Conn DOT 2000 I-84 Plan and was accelerated due to extensive planned development on Danbury's West Side.

Eastbound approaching I-84 Exit 2.

The new eastbound auxiliary lane from the Exit 1 on ramp to the Exit 2 off ramp will allow vehicles entering from Exit 1 more time in which to merge to the left, the Exit 1 westbound off ramp at Saw Mill Road will be widened, and more capacity on the Exit 2 westbound off ramp to Old Ridgebury Road will be provided.

Conn DOT reported 11/2009 that the project is currently in semi-final design with Conn DOT staff working out final permit issues. The project manager is Hugh Hayward at 860-594-3279, hugh.hayward@ct.gov.

COMPLETE I-84 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Cooperate with adjacent municipalities towards the completion of the on-going Conn DOT I-84 Environmental Impact Statement process. Danbury officials will need to monitor this process to insure that environmental impacts from the proposed widening are acceptable to Danbury.

COMPLETE I-84 CLOSURE
TRAFFIC DIVERSION PLAN
This emergency management action plan will be completed by DEMHS 5, COGCNV and HVCEO during 2010.

State Police, Conn DOT and Danbury officials will then rely upon one coordinated set of diversion instructions for managing increased traffic due to the temporary closing of expressway lanes and exits during an I-84 emergency.

CONSIDER IMPACTS UPON
DANBURY OF I-84 TOLLING PROPOSALS
The return of tolls to Connecticut's expressways is seriously proposed in Hartford. If tolls are added to I-84 in Danbury in order to raise road improvement funds, then the City would be heavily impacted economically, socially, and by the diversion of traffic.

These impacts have been identified in HVCEO's research report #141. That report may be utilized by officials and citizens during any future toll plaza planning hearings.

ROUTE 806 (NEWTOWN ROAD)
ADD SIGNAL AND WESTBOUND LEFT
TURN LANE AT OLD SHELTER ROCK ROAD
Conn DOT Project No. 34-309 will provide for a westbound left turn lane from Newtown Road onto Old Shelter Rock Road. The intersection will be signalized and Old Shelter Rock Road realigned. One goal is for gaps in traffic to be created for left turns exiting nearby Woodside Avenue.

The project was brought to preliminary design phase and did not progress to public information meeting prior to suspension of work. Then due to statewide funding shortfalls late in 2009 Conn DOT temporarily removed federal funding for this project from the HVCEO 2010-2013 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The Conn DOT contact is Timothy Gaffey (860) 594-3287, timothy.gaffey@ct.gov.

SIGNAL COORDINATION ON BACKUS AVENUE
In accordance with the HVCEO Study of Signal Coordination on Backus Avenue near the Danbury Fair Mall, upgrade signals to the level recommended in the report. As Conn DOT Project 34-0325, this improvement is on the HVCEO TIP as of 10/2009 and is proceeding towards completion. Conn DOT reported 11/2009 that the first design submission is expected soon and that construction scheduling is feasible for 2012.

SIGNAL INSTALLATION AT LAKE AVENUE
AND SHANNON RIDGE ROAD AND RIDGE ROAD
This location is just east of I-84 Exit 4.Traffic bound for the Danbury Fair Mall and the busy Mill Plain Road commercial area passes thru this intersection.

The stop signs here now will be replaced with signalization. Right of way and construction phases are to proceed with federal safety program funds thru the Conn DOT Local Road Accident Reduction Program.

2. DANBURY'S LONGER RANGE
TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS:

Projects listed in this section do not yet have Conn DOT recognition for future construction funding. The goal is to move them into the "Near Future" section above.

ROUTE 6 (MILL PLAIN ROAD) WIDENING
FROM I-84 EXIT 2 EAST TO KENOSIA AVENUE
In accordance wit the 2005 Danbury Transportation Plan, widen Route 6 (Mill Plain Road) from I-84 Exit 2 easterly to Kenosia Avenue, including improvement of the alignment and traffic capacity of Route 6 at New State Road (Route 824). This future project will complement the shorter term Route 6 widening adjacent to the east.

Aerial view of Mill Plain Road (combined Route 6 and 202).
The intersection with Kenosia Avenue is at right of center
foreground. Widening 6 & 202 to four lanes east of Kenosia
is "near future" and west of it "longer range."

ROUTE 37 WIDENING
NORTHERLY TO JEANETTE STREET
Route 37 Corridor improvements will eventually continue as widening of Route 37 from 2 to 4 lanes northerly to the intersection with Jeanette Street. In doing so, consider turning lanes and other geometric improvements at the Padanaram Road/Pembroke Road intersection and at Barnum Road.

ROUTE 39 SELECTIVE
WIDENING AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
As proposed in the 2005 Danbury Transportation Plan for Route 39 "widen with additional lanes as feasible between Cowperthwaite Street and East Gate Road, and add southbound turning lanes and geometric improvements as needed at East Gate Road and Beckerle Street."

Also, "undertake geometric realignment as feasible at the King Street/Padanaram Road and East Lake Road intersections."

IMPROVE ROUTE 53
INTERSECTION WITH ROUTES 37 AND 39
Due to high cost this project has been placed on Conn DOT’s "Future Needs List" and is currently inactive. However at Conn DOT's initiative it did achieve TIP status briefly in 2007.

A design question is the value of upgrading Downs Street leg of the intersection, if the long range I-84 Plan eventually removes it as an exit.

ROUTE 53 (MAIN STREET)
OVERALL IMPROVEMENT POLICY
As proposed in the 2005 Danbury Transportation Plan 53) "(1) Consider converting Patch Street into a one way eastbound street, (2) provide turning lanes at Franklin Street and Garamella Boulevard, (3) provide four lanes from Wooster Street to South Street by either widening the roadway or removing parking.

Rendering of future pedestrian enhanced
Route 53 (South Main Street) in Danbury.

Also, (4) reduce sidewalk width as necessary from Boughton Street to Wooster Street to allow for a southbound left turn at Wooster Street, (5) consider intersection improvements at South Street, and (6) extend streetscape improvements to South Street."

I-84 EXIT 5 EXTENSION OF RAMPS
Conn DOT Project No. 34-308 calls for extending the deceleration lengths on both the eastbound and westbound I-84 Exit 5 off-ramps and examining the need for a signal at the end of the eastbound off-ramp at the Farview Avenue intersection. (see improvements on a map).

Conn DOT stated in May of 2005 that "In 2005 Congress approved an earmark of $2,720,000 for improvements to interchanges on I-84 Danbury - Newtown. This earmark will be applied to interchange improvements at Interchange 5." Not now advancing due to insufficient funds. Conn DOT contact is William Grant at (860) 594-3229, william.e.grant@ct.gov.

I-84 EXIT 6 EXTENSION OF RAMPS
Exit 6 is a half diamond interchange with access only to and from the east. Conn DOT Project 34-313 concerns improvements to the on and off ramps serving I-84 at Route 37 (North Main St.). Existing ramps will be lengthened and widened (see improvements on a map).

As of 12/2009 the project design is at about the 80% completion level, but project will not immediately advance into construction as funding levels are not sufficient. Conn DOT contact is William Grant at (860) 594-3229, william.e.grant@ct.gov.

I-84 MAJOR WIDENING
AND INTERCHANGE CAPACITY EXPANSION
— Rebuild exits and then widen the main line in conformance with (see plan maps by exit) Conn DOT’s 2000 I-84 Plan.

Example of a Conn DOT I-84 exit redesign, in this case I-84 Exit 5 in Danbury.
Blue indicates features removed. Note greatly extended westbound
off ramp vehicle storage capacity and eastbound
off ramp no longer to use Downs Street.

ROUTE 805 (FEDERAL ROAD) MINOR
WIDENING NEAR INTERSECTION WITH STARR ROAD
Provide a uniform four lanes of travel thru this intersection. Conn DOT staff indicated in 2006 that state maintenance resources may be sufficient for addressing this need rather than proceeding to a a federally funded project format.

ROUTE 806 (NEWTOWN ROAD)
INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT AT OLD NEWTOWN ROAD
--- For the short range, improve the alignment and traffic capacity of Newtown Road (Route 806) at Old Newtown Road. Include a new entrance for the Danbury Public Works complex. This project was submitted by Danbury in 2006 to the Conn DOT Project Development Unit for evaluation.

Proposed capacity and safety improvement at the
intersection of Newtown Road (Route 806) and Old Newtown Road.

ROUTE 806 (NEWTOWN ROAD)
OVERALL CITY OF DANBURY POLICY
According to the 2005 Danbury Transportation Plan, the overall policy here is to " (1) widen with additional lanes as feasible from Plumtrees Road to Old Newtown Road, then from Old Newtown Road to Triangle Street, (2) reconfigure the intersection at Triangle Street/Beaver Brook Road, (3) add turning lanes and geometric improvements at Old Newtown Road, Old Shelter Rock Road and at other intersections as warranted, and (4) add a traffic signal at the Old Shelter Rock Road intersection."

LOCAL STREET IMPROVEMENTS
In 2007 HVCEO completed a traffic plan for the combined Danbury Hospital - White Street - Western CT State University Area. This traffic study is web posted.

Sample recommendation from HVCEO
2007 WCSU and vicinity traffic plan.

As determined by Danbury officials in October of 2009, the priorities within the larger WCSU traffic study are 1) the White Street, Locust Avenue and Wildman Street Intersections, 2) the White Street and Federal Road intersection, and 3) the closely spaced combination intersections of Garamella Boulevard at Maple Avenue and Balmforth AVenue at Osborne Street.

These three priorities were submitted by City officials in October 2009 for Conn DOT review.

LOCAL STREET IMPROVEMENTS: WIDEN KENSOSIA AVENUE
— Widen of Kenosia Avenue from 2 to 4 lanes from Backus Avenue northerly to the vicinity of Lake Kenosia.

LOCAL STREET IMPROVEMENTS: WIDEN BACKUS AVENUE
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes from Kenosia Avenue westerly to Miry Brook Road.

3. DANBURY'S OTHER
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS:

CITY OF DANBURY BRIDGES WITH SPANS GREATER
THAN 20 FEET PERIODICALLY INSPECTED BY CONN DOT
Cooperate with Conn DOT on proper maintenance of such bridges on Eagle Road Extension, West Street, Balmforth Avenue & Maple Avenue, Rose Street, Rose Hill Avenue and Old Newtown Road.

SCENIC ROADS ORDINANCE
Continue to administer the municipal scenic road ordinance, which well complements those of nearby communities.

UPDATE AND EXTEND DRIVEWAY
AND CURB CUT MANAGEMENT PLANS
These curb cut plans consist of a series of adjacent maps showing all properties, all driveways, and the recommended reorganization of driveways as properties develop or redevelop. Implementation comes thru use of the maps by local planning and zoning commissions and by Conn DOT administrators for state roads when conditions of approval are set.

A text supplements the maps, providing traffic engineering advice for each property where there is a recommendation for a change of driveway. Such plans have been completed in Danbury for parts of Route 6 and Route 7, and for Route 805 (Federal Road). Add a plan for Route 806 (Newtown Road) See regional map of completed plans.

4. DANBURY'S SHORT RANGE
BUS SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS:

The HVCEO 2010-2013 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) indicates federal funds are reserved for modernizing the fleet of HART vehicles serving Bethel.

5. DANBURY'S LONGER RANGE
BUS SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS:

DANBURY FIXED ROUTE HART BUS:
• At the HART Pulse Point on Kennedy Avenue in Downtown Danbury, insure that as nearby traffic flow improvements are made that Pulse Point operations are not damaged.

• Goals for Danbury service include extending the weekday service span from 6 pm to 9 pm, extend the Saturday service span from 5 pm to 9 pm, implement Sunday service hourly between 9 am and 4 pm, and provide service with 30 minute headways during the midday period.

• To simplify routes, remove Danbury Hospital from the #1 Medical Center route and place it in the #4 Brookfield Route.

• Split the #2 Stony Hill Route into two routes to improve Danbury-Bethel service and allow for new Danbury-Newtown service.

• Modify the #4 Brookfield Route to operate between Danbury and Brookfield hourly via Danbury Hospital. Extend the hours of service span to match other routes and facilitate transfers.

• Operate the #6 Mall route with 30 minute headways throughout the day or create a second route with more direct service to the Danbury Fair Mall.

HART's public bus routes converge in Downtown Danbury.
As energy and environmental policy tightens, expect
increased viability for transit oriented uses along these routes.

DANBURY SWEETHART BUS:
• Provide Danbury's seniors and disabled with additional weekday SweetHART service by extending the service day past the current 6 pm termination.

• For the short term, make changes to SweetHART services in Danbury based upon the 2008 SweetHart Comprehensive Operating Analysis.

• For the long term, reduce costs by establishing a new regional SweetHART service that would serve Danbury and nearby towns in a more efficient manner than the town by town approach at present.

6. DANBURY'S NEAR TERM
RAIL SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS:


DANBURY RAIL SERVICE STATION AND PARKING IMPROVEMENTS
An ongoing Conn DOT study of the Danbury Branch Line will make recommendations for additional service and in some cases parking improvements at each station, including at Danbury Station.

Preliminary CT DOT plan for expanding
Danbury Station parking to the south.

CENTRAILIZED TRAIN CONTROL
FROM NORWALK TO DANBURY
For better passenger train safety and management, outdated manually operated train signals will be replaced by an electronic system. This Centralized Train Control (CTC) signal modernization project will allow for remote control of Danbury Branch passenger trains directly from Grand Central Terminal.

Centralized train control viewing screen.

Communication cables will be mounted on poles from Norwalk to Wilton and then buried in the ground along the tracks further north thru Bethel and on to the system terminus in Danbury.

Downtown Stamford, CT is about 24 aerial miles
south of Downtown Danbury. It is a significant
draw by rail for Danbury commuters.

7. DANBURY'S LONGER TERM
RAIL SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS:

DANBURY COMMUTER RAIL:
• Expand peak period, through train and reverse commute rail service from Danbury Station. Extend rail service north to New Milford.

• A Conn DOT Danbury Branch Line Study will make recommendations for additional parking at each station including at a potential new station in northeast Danbury. Create a new "Danbury North" or "Danbrook Station" at or in the vicinity of the White Turkey Road park and ride lot near the Brookfield Town Line.

Northeast Danbury Option A:
This potential rail station site is located west of White Turkey Road and
with the Route 7 Expressway shown further west. Riverside Drive at lower left.

SEE RELATED TEXT DESCRIPTIONS

Northeast Danbury Option B:
This potential rail station site is located east of White
Turkey Road on an unpaved extension of Riverview Drive.

• Operate a connector shuttle between Danbury Station and the HART Pulse Point after the initial rail expansion phase.

Rail service was part of Danbury's past
and is continuing into the City's future.