Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont joined elected and other state officials to announce the city of New Britain, Conn., had been awarded a $14.7 million grant to improve the intersection of Route 174 and East Street.
The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Developments (BUILD) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will realign the intersection to enhance safety, reduce congestion, improve pedestrian and bike access, and to strengthen connections to the CTfastrak East Main Street Station.
“We are building the foundation for safer roads and stronger connections that will support future growth in this area,” Lamont said. “By improving access to CTfastrak and supporting nearby transit-oriented development, this project will help create new economic opportunities and bring new energy to the surrounding neighborhood.”
The Route 174 and East Street corridor is a two-lane roadway that carries an estimated 8,000 vehicles a day, officials said. The existing offset intersection will be replaced with a traditional four-way signalized intersection that officials said would reduce “vehicle conflict points” and improve traffic operations. The project will also include new sidewalks, modernized traffic signals, ADA-compliant curb ramps and streetscape enhancements.
Officials said the project will create a safer, more welcoming gateway to New Britain and nearby transit-oriented development.
Officials said construction on the project is expected to start in 2029 and be completed by 2031. The project will be administered by the City of New Britain with support from the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
“This funding is a major victory for New Britain and for everyone who travels through this corridor every day,” New Britain Mayor Bobby Sanchez said. “For years, residents have identified this intersection as one of the city’s most dangerous and frustrating roadways. This grant award 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 the east side of our city. This is exactly what happens when local, state, and federal partners work together to deliver real results for our community.”
The project is also funded through a $6 million Connecticut Community Investment Fund grant to advance environmental remediation and demolition activities at the site.