The city presented a proposal this week to create a new Route 9 northbound off-ramp on River Road, which one day could lead motorists to a revitalized and redesigned riverfront. The goal, Florsheim said, is for the city to partner with the state in the “right way to get this project realized.” The off-ramp would be located in an industrial area near Walnut Street and Meadow Meat on Eastern Drive and eventually lead to Main Street. The area, which runs along the Connecticut River, is part of the city’s master plan of redevelopment. Another DOT project due to begin this week, according to signs on Route 9, would eliminate the stop sign at Route 17 — one of the deadliest highway on-ramps in the state, the mayor has said. The state will be undertaking a three-year project to build a 1,000-foot acceleration lane to replace the stop sign, the deputy director said. Kozikowski reviewed the city’s 2030 Plan of Conservation and Development and how it relates to the Return to the Riverbend master plan.
https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/middletown-propose-dot-adding-downtown-exit-route-17824672.php