Vision To Transform Hartford's Transportation Infrastructure

October 27, 2023


The state is gaining momentum toward rebuilding our highways, roads, and bridges to bring more progress to the greater Hartford area. Please keep scrolling to learn how a new study could transform our community.

There are several important events happening this weekend that can improve public safety in our neighborhoods. Please read below for all that information.

These are the sections in today's email:

  • Greater Hartford Mobility Study
  • Gun Buyback and Gun Safe Giveaway Day
  • National Drug Take Back Day
  • Free Shredding Event in West Hartford
 
Greater Hartford Mobility Study
The state is working on a potentially transformative plan to upgrade Hartford’s highways, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is advancing its Greater Hartford Mobility Study, which is a long-term project designed to reconnect neighborhoods, reduce traffic, improve safety for everyone, recapture the riverfront, and much more.
 
The study was launched in 2020 as a community-driven vision for creating a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable multimodal transportation network. A final report will be released in November.
Click on the image above to watch a video with maps clearly showing the vision for the future of transportation in and around Hartford.
The Greater Hartford Mobility Study is organized into four major program components:
  • CityLink West addresses safety, reduces the number of ramps in the Study Core, and improves connectivity between neighborhoods and green spaces/parks. Lowering the highway would link neighborhoods currently severed by the highway and create additional developable land while improving rail and bus service that share the corridor.
  • CityLink East proposes to mitigate highway congestion in downtown Hartford by relocating the I-84/I-91 interchange and creating a new bridge connecting I-84 and Route 2 in East Hartford. This redesign would separate local and highway traffic and reclaim the historic Bulkeley Bridge for local traffic, including opportunities for dedicated high-capacity transit facilities, separated bike lanes, and improve sidewalks.
  • River Gateway connects Hartford’s central business district with the Connecticut River. It allows for equitable access to green space, would mitigate some of the visual and noise impacts of I-91, and create an urban boulevard to strengthen local travel options. In addition, a new bridge would connect the Sheldon/Charter Oak neighborhood with a new, river-oriented, mid-rise neighborhood in East Hartford. The bridge would prioritize bus, bicycle, and pedestrian travel while accommodating automobile traffic.
  • Founders Gateway proposes to consolidate the I-84/Route 2 interchange ramps in East Hartford. It would open significant acres of land to potential development and provide opportunities to strengthen the local street grid.

Several early action projects would be implemented within the next five years for the traveling public to reap the benefits of improved mobility and safety while the four major components of the program undergo National and Connecticut Environmental Policy Act reviews.
 
The state’s vision has the power to transform our city and surrounding communities, making the Greater Hartford more attractive for economic development and improved quality of life.
Click Here To Learn More and To Provide Feedback
 
Gun Buyback and Gun Safe Giveaway Day

You can anonymously dispose of unwanted guns on Saturday, October 28 as part of the Third Annual Keep Kids Safe Connecticut Statewide Gun Buyback and Gun Safe Giveaway Day.

The event will be held at the Hartford Public Works Department at 50 Jennings Road from 9 A.M. - 3 P.M. Hartford Police will offer Stop and Shop gift cards to those who drop off firearms. 
  
The goal is to reduce gun violence and to build a secure community. CLICK HERE for more information.
 
National Drug Take Back Day

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

Communities across the state will be holding collection drives on Saturday, October 28 from 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. Please read below to find the closest location to your home started in West Hartford.

Wethersfield will host its Drug Take Back Day at the Wethersfield Police Department at 250 Silas Deane Highway.

East Hartford will do the same at the East Hartford Public Safety Complex at 31 School Street.
Click Here For Other Locations
 
Free Shredding Event in West Hartford

Infoshred will safely shred your confidential papers for free on
Saturday, October 28th from 9 A.M. -12 P.M. or until the truck is full.

The event will be on the side entrance of 17 Brixton Street. If coming from New Park Road, turn down Oakwood Avenue. The side entrance for the Department of Public Works is just past Brixton Street on Oakwood Avenue. Please follow the signs.

  • West Hartford Residents only
  • Bring ID
  • Limit is TWO copy paper boxes or equivalent around 15" x 12" x 10"
  • No plastic bags

Please bring sensitive documents only. Before coming, separate junk mail, other non-sensitive paper and envelopes and recycle them in curbside blue barrel.

Infoshred will accept non-perishable food items at this event to stock the shelves of the local food pantry.