1. NEW FAIRFIELD'S NEAR
FUTURE TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS:

The are no "near future" projects currently scheduled by Conn DOT for New Fairfield.

However key segments of Town Center streetscape and beautification are being constructed with federal Stimulus funds.

2. NEW FAIRFIELD'S LONGER
RANGE TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS:

ROUTE 37 IMPROVEMENTS
As traffic volumes grow there may be a need to evaluate the desirability of a traffic signal at the intersection of Route 37 with Saw Mill Road, as discussed in this Route 37 Report.

The 2003 Town Plan cites this location for "accidents caused by limited sight lines and high travel speeds. Consider a roundabout at this location or a traffic signal with a narrowed and restriped Sawmill Road approach."

As shown by the historic turning movement data at right,
most AM peak hour westbound traffic on Saw Mill Road turns
left on to Route 37 southbound. A traffic signal or a roundabout at
this intersection may eventually be needed to facilitate such movements.

Proceeding north, the 2003 Town Plan states " Route 37 from Cottontail Road the short distance north to New Fairfield Center - traffic volumes and high number of commercial driveways in close proximity to each other contribute to accident rate. Consolidate adjacent commercial driveways and consider restriping to provide a central two-way left turn lane.

Then at the intersection of Route 37 with Route 39, plan for adding a turning lane on the southbound Route 37 leg as it approaches the intersection.

In the future when the intersection of Route 37 and 39 needs major upgrading, the 2003 Town Plan supports consideration of a roundabout to replace signalization. See background in the Route 37 Report.

According to the 2003 New Fairfield Town Plan "roundabouts are a special form of circular intersections used on arterial and collector roads to allocate the right of way among competing movements. The design features of roundabouts are intended to lower speeds and move more cars more safely than a signalized intersection."

Long range vision of New Fairfield Center beautified
with green roundabout replacing signalization.

The Town Plan also states that "the proposed roundabout at the intersection of Routes 37 and 39 would have an outside diameter of 110 feet, a circulating lane of 17.5 feet, and an internal island of 55 feet. Traffic projections indicate that a roundabout would provide a high level of service for this intersection."

In the New Fairfield Center Area continue to make changes to both Route 37 and Route 39 in accordance with the 2005 New Fairfield Center Beautification Study.

Proposed sidewalk in New Fairfield Center
with Routes 37 and 39 Intersection at left.

Moving north, concerning the intersection of Route 37 with Beaver Bog Road, consider the improvement recommendations towards the end of this 2008 traffic engineering report.

ROUTE 39 IMPROVEMENTS
Concerning the intersection of Route 39 with Warwick Road, the 2003 Town Plan states that the "accident rate may be affected by sharp turns, steep grades, excessive travel speeds on Route 39, and limited sight lines. Install additional warning signs to alert drivers of approaching intersection and lower speed limit and/or improved speed limit enforcement to improve traffic safety."

Then concerning Route 39 from the Town Center easterly to Candlewood Corners, the 2003 Town Plan states that the accident rate is "affected by poor sight distance due to curve in Route 39, proximity to buildings, vegetation and travel speeds.

Enhance public awareness by establishing gateways (decorative signage) or installing warning lights or signs. Modify pavement markings, curbing, reconfigure driveways, and lower speed limit through Candlewood Corners to 25 mph. Install pedestrian crosswalk at Route 39 and Sawmill Road.

Route 39 intersecting with Sawmill Road
at the Candlewood Corners business district.

Concerning the intersection of Route 39 with the entrance drive to Squantz Pond State Park (State Route 481), continue coordination with state officials to ensure that summer traffic congestion is properly managed.

A report on Route 39 existing traffic conditions is available.

3. NEW FAIRFIELD'S OTHER
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS:

HIGH SCHOOL DRIVEWAY AT GILLOTTI ROAD
Make improvements to New Fairfield High School access at Gillotti Road, as summarized in this 2008 traffic engineering report.

MINOR STATE ROUTE 813 - FAIRFIELD DRIVE
Review traffic report for unsigned State Route 813 - Fairfield Drive.

MINOR STATE ROUTE 839 - MILLTOWN ROAD
Review traffic report for unsigned State Route 839 - Milltown Road.

MINOR STATE ROUTE 850 - PATTERSON ROAD
Review traffic report for unsigned State Route 850 - Patterson Road.

TOWN OF NEW FAIRFIELD BRIDGES WITH SPANS GREATER
THAN 20 FEET PERIODICALLY INSPECTED BY CONN DOT
Cooperate with Conn DOT on proper maintenance of such bridges on Sawmill Road #1, Bear Mountain Road and Musket Ridge Road.

FUTURE SCENIC ROADS ORDINANCE
As recommended by the 2003 Town Plan, adopt a scenic road ordinance similar to those of nearby communities. According to the 2003 Town Plan "New Fairfield should identify existing scenic roads and adopt a scenic road ordinance.

While an unsuccessful effort was made in 1995 to implement a scenic road ordinance and designate Pine Hill Road as a scenic road, efforts to identify qualifying local scenic roadways in New Fairfield should be revived."

The 2003 Plan also states that "in addition, State Statute 13b-31 allows the Connecticut Department of Transportation to designate state highways as scenic roads if they meet certain criteria. The designation is intended to ensure that any alteration to the state highway maintains the scenic character of the road. The designation should be requested for eligible parts of Route 37 and 39 in New Fairfield."

3. NEW FAIRFIELD'S LONGER
RANGE BUS SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS:
(Excerpts from 2010 Bus Service Improvement Plan)

NEW FAIRFIELD FIXED ROUTE HART BUS
The existing New Fairfield-Southeast, NY Rail Station Shuttle operates during the weekday peak commute, with a significant service gap in the midday. At present, there is no service available between 7:45 a.m. and 5:50 p.m.

Reducing the size of this midday gap is a goal for the service.

The HART commuter bus shuttle from New Fairfield to
Southeast Station in New York began operation on 5/18/2009.

Long term, Implement a fixed route bus service between Danbury and New Fairfield via Route 37, serving the North Street Shopping Center, the Federal Correctional Institution, Stetson Place in Danbury, and the Town Center and Ball Pond areas of New Fairfield.

NEW FAIRFIELD SWEETHART BUS
Provide New Fairfield's seniors and disabled persons with additional weekday SweetHART service by extending the service day from the current end at 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Operate a second bus to provide additional service during peak travel periods each weekday during heavy travel times from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.

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