Raghib Allie-Brennan

Neighbors,

One week ago, I joined CTDOT, WestCOG, local officials, and my legislative colleagues to discuss safety concerns on Route 7 following the recent tragic crash.

Since then, I haven't stopped asking questions.

This week, I had a follow-up conversation with WestCOG to better understand the history of the corridor, reviewed past transportation and safety studies, and continued conversations with CTDOT. I've also heard from dozens of residents who shared their own experiences traveling Route 7 every day. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to reach out.

Here's what we've learned so far:

1. Previous studies reflected the conditions at the time. Transportation and regional safety studies completed in 2011 and 2021 did not identify this section of Route 7 as one of the region's highest-priority safety corridors based on the crash data available when those studies were conducted.
2. More recent data tells a different story. According to WestCOG and CTDOT, recent crash trends have evolved. While traffic volumes have remained relatively stable, the corridor has experienced an increase in severe crashes, with speeding, distracted driving, and other risky driving behaviors identified as significant contributing factors.
3. Most recent fatal crashes have been head-on collisions. CTDOT's review found six fatal crashes over the last three years within the study area, five of which involved head-on collisions.

Today, CTDOT released its formal response outlining next steps.

Those include:

• Larger speed limit signs
• Refreshed pavement markings
• Additional rumble strip evaluations
• High-friction pavement installation
• Evaluation of lighting improvements
• Evaluation of additional lane delineation and potential median treatments where appropriate
• Continued planning with WestCOG, Danbury, and Ridgefield
• Recommendations regarding enforcement, speed feedback signs, and potential automated traffic enforcement where permitted by law.

Transparency matters.

One thing I've heard repeatedly is that residents want access to the same information government officials are reviewing. I agree.

I've created a Route 7 Studies & Resources page on my website where you can review the transportation studies, safety plans, and CTDOT updates that are helping inform these discussions. As additional reports become available, I'll continue updating the page.

🔗Route 7 Studies & Resources

What comes next?

This isn't the end of the conversation, it's the beginning of a more informed one.

I'll continue working with CTDOT, WestCOG, local officials, law enforcement, and our congressional delegation to ensure the recommendations move from planning into action. I'll also continue sharing updates as new information becomes available.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to email, call, and share your experiences. Your voices have helped shape these conversations, and I remain committed to working toward meaningful improvements that make Route 7 safer for everyone.