New Pedestrian & Cyclist Safety Upgrades On The Way

January 23, 2023

I am in full support of much-needed upgrades that will improve accessibility and both pedestrian and cyclist safety. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is working on fixing traffic control signals in 11 communities including Stonington.

Crews are developing plans to replace the traffic control signaling on Route 27 at Coogan Boulevard and I-95. The DOT has not announced what those upgrades will look like. At this point we know there could be a crosswalk sign with a countdown clock, accessible push buttons, and sidewalk ramps.

"It is really important to provide more tools to keep drivers and pedestrians safe especially on such a busy stretch of Route 27. These upgrades will allow pedestrians visiting Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Seaport, and Olde Mistick Village to move around the town with more peace of mind," said Rep. Bumgardner.

Design plans for the project are expected to be completed in May 2024.

"This is another example of the important work we can do when we collaborate to address problems within our communities. We are grateful to those involved from the state and local level who helped make these improvements a reality," said Stonington First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough.

In addition to improving pedestrian and cyclist safety, Rep. Bumgardner wants to take steps to prevent wrong-way crashes. According to Garrett Eucalitto, the incoming Commissioner of Transportation, 80% of wrong-way crashes involved an impaired driver. Rep. Bumgardner plans to support legislation addressing that very issue in the legislative session.

Rep. Bumgardner's dear friend and colleague, Rep. Quentin "Q" Williams, died in a wrong-way crash on January 5, the morning after the start of the legislative session. "We can do so much more to prevent another family from going through that very same senseless tragedy. Q's death highlights why we need to address wrong-way driving immediately," Rep. Bumgardner said.

Rep. Williams was Rep. Bumgardner's mentor, and they were slated to serve together on three assigned committees in the 2023 legislative session. Rep. Bumgardner represents the 41st District, which includes Groton and Stonington.