NEW BRITAIN — A busy East Side intersection known for traffic backups and crashes will be redesigned after the city received a $14.7 million federal grant to improve safety, traffic flow and access to nearby neighborhoods. Mayor Bobby Sanchez and Governor Ned Lamont said Friday morning, along with local and state officials, the city was awarded a federal Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to rebuild the intersection of Route 174, East Street and Newington Avenue. The project will replace the current offset, signalized Z-curve with a conventional four-leg signalized intersection. Plans also include new sidewalks, ADA-accessible curb ramps, high-visibility crosswalks, decorative pedestrian lighting, streetscape improvements and two pocket parks. The work is expected to improve connections to the East Main Street CTfastrak station, Chamberlain Elementary School, downtown and nearby neighborhoods. “This funding is a major victory for New Britain and for everyone who travels through this corridor every day,” Sanchez said. “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.”
NB receives $14.7M to redesign intersection
