More than $54 Million in LOTCIP Funds Awarded to Municipalities in the NVCOG Region

The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) is excited to announce that more than $54 million in Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) funds have been awarded to municipalities within our region since the inception of the program. NVCOG is responsible for soliciting, programming, and working with our towns to initiate and implement projects. The Connecticut State Legislature created the LOTCIP program in late 2013, facilitated by the regional COGs, to help make local projects easier and quicker to build. Funds are provided through the CT Department of Transportation (CTDOT) based on designs developed by the municipalities. These projects have included work ranging from road reconstruction to safety improvements, pedestrian enhancements, and bridges. Many projects have included streetscape improvements and upgrades to some of our most vital downtown streets. 

NVCOG has been proactive in soliciting and initiating projects from our member towns. We provide assistance to project sponsors with refining applications, evaluating a project’s purpose and need, as well as assessing appropriate actions that will fix identified problems. Since the inception of the program, 13 projects have been completed at a value of just under $27 million and another seven are under construction with an awarded total $27.2 million. Through Fiscal Year 2022, over $70.2 million in LOTCIP funds have been allocated to NVCOG, meaning we have obligated 77% of our funds to date. In addition, 11 projects, have received a “commitment to fund” letter and are in the design phase. The commitment to fund letter is the CTDOT’s assurance that LOTCIP funds will be awarded to the project. The value of these projects is slightly over $38 million, bringing the region’s commitment of LOTCIP funds to $92.3 million. Given design schedules, NVCOG anticipates that sufficient funds will be allocated to the region to fully the committed program. 

Click the charts below for more details.

LOTCIP Project Information: 

Visit the LOTCIP webpage for more information.

Traffic Lane Shift on the Derby-Shelton Bridge

Road work ahead sign

Project No.: 0126-0174

Headline: Traffic Lane Shift on the Derby-Shelton Bridge (Bridge No. 01659) over the Housatonic River Which Carries Bridge Street in the Town of Shelton

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that lanes will be shifted towards the south side of the Derby-Shelton Bridge and the north-side sidewalk will be closed for Stage 1 of construction work starting on or about Wednesday, August 25, 2021.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that the traffic flow will be reconfigured to accommodate the Stage 1 construction work. Both East and Westbound travel lanes will be reduced to 11’ wide and the northernmost sidewalk will be closed. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to cross the structure on the existing 10.5’ southern sidewalk. A row of precast concrete barriers will be installed to delineate the work area and reconstruction of the existing parapet will begin.

Utility work associated with the project will continue in and around the Main St., Olivia St., and 3RD St. Triangle.

The project consists of the rehabilitation and realignment of the travel ways on the existing structure. The final condition will provide a 5’ wide concrete sidewalk (north) and a 7’ wide sidewalk (south). One 11’ wide Westbound travel lane and two 11’ wide Eastbound travel lanes with 2’ shoulders for vehicles. A 3’-8” buffer zone, and a 10’ wide paved bike lane (south).

DOT Project No. 0126-0174 was awarded to Mohawk Northeast, Inc. on January 26, 2021, at a cost of $6,393,565.45 and is scheduled to be completed by November 27, 2023. This project is administered by the Office of Construction – District 3, New Haven.

Please visit the Derby-Shelton Bridge Pedestrian and Bicyclist Enhancements page for further information.

TRAFFIC IMPACT INFO

 Motorists can expect normal conditions except for the new fixed 11’ wide lanes. The current schedule allows for work behind the barrier both day and night if needed. Pedestrians and cyclists will be restricted to the existing southern sidewalk for passage during this stage.

Draft Oxford Route 67 Alternative Transportation Plan Report Published

The public is invited to review and provide feedback on a Draft Oxford Route 67 Alternative Transportation Study Report.  The Draft report presents the existing conditions in the corridor along with recommendations for bicycle, pedestrian, and transit improvements. Comments can be submitted until August 15th, 2021.  The report and more information can be found on the project webpage at www.nvcogct.gov/oxfordroute67 .

The Oxford Main Street Alternative Transportation Study has been underway since December 2019, investigating the potential for non-motorized transportation alternatives and transit in the Route 67 corridor between Seymour and Southford. Study partners collected and analyzed information about the existing conditions in the corridor, collected input from stakeholders and the public, and investigated potential bicycle, pedestrian, and transit improvements. The focus is to improve connections and transportation options to the Seymour sidewalk network, train station and Naugatuck River Greenway Trail to the south, and the Larkin Bridle Trail to the north, as well as to all the businesses, services, green spaces, and residential areas within the corridor. The potential for transit service was also investigated, focusing on connections to services and major residential and commercial centers and to surrounding communities.

The Oxford Main Street Project Committee is overseeing the project, and it builds on previous work the committee has undertaken to improve access to the Little River and natural resources along Route 67. The goal is to provide better access to the businesses and natural resources throughout the corridor. The final report will provide a cohesive plan for the entire corridor to better enable the Town to plan, prioritize, and fund future improvements. The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) is funding the project with federal transportation planning funds. TranSystems Corporation, a planning and engineering consultant with offices in Meriden, CT is the project consultant. A final report, incorporating comments from stakeholders and the public, will be published this summer.

Oxford’s Plan of Conservation and Development prioritized creating more of a downtown feel along Route 67. Unlike many of its neighbors, Oxford does not have a typical walkable New England downtown or Main Street.

Instead, municipal and commercial areas are dispersed along with residences along State Route 67. While Route 67 fundamentally functions as Oxford’s “Main Street,” it currently has no sidewalks or safe bicycle or pedestrian access. In addition, there is currently no public transit currently operated along Route 67 providing residents an alternative transportation option. Transit options by train on Metro North and by bus on CT Transit are available only one mile from the Oxford town line, but there is currently no way for Oxford residents to safely access these services without a personal motor vehicle.

Oxford First Selectman George Temple explained that “Oxford residents have voiced support for pedestrian and bicycle access along the Little River and Route 67. This study allows us to make progress toward that goal, and to give the public a chance to help guide and contribute to future efforts”.

TranSystems Project Manager Casey Hardin said that “This is the time for area residents to provide input on the planning for this important municipal resource. The study includes recommendations to improve mobility options for bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as folks who would like options beyond their automobile”.

The New Mix: A Long-term Plan for the I-84 & Route 8 “Mixmaster” Interchange

Aerial photo of the Mixmaster from the train station

An introduction of future plans to local leaders for what is locally known as the “Mixmaster” in Waterbury from HNTB and CTDOT. The presentation includes a brief history of the Mixmaster, what has been completed thus far, the analysis of options to move forward, and how the public will be involved.

Watch a recording of this presentation on the NVCOG YouTube Channel.

This does not discuss the rehabilitation work that is currently being completed.

 

Public Information Meeting Scheduled for the Oxford Route 67 Alternative Transportation Plan

Oxford residents and business owners are invited to review and provide feedback on a Draft Oxford Route 67 Alternative Transportation Study report during a Public Information Meeting on June 17th, 2021, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Oxford High School auditorium.  The Draft report presents the existing conditions in the corridor along with recommendations for bicycle, pedestrian, and transit improvements. Project partners will present the draft plan and be available to take comments and answer questions at the June 17 meeting. An alternative virtual broadcast of the presentation will be available for those unable to attend in person.  The draft report and meeting details can be found on the study webpage at www.nvcogct.gov/oxfordroute67.

The Oxford Main Street Alternative Transportation Study has been underway since December 2019, investigating the potential for non-motorized transportation alternatives and transit in the Route 67 corridor between Seymour and Southford. Study partners collected and analyzed information about the existing conditions in the corridor, collected input from stakeholders and the public, and investigated potential bicycle, pedestrian, and transit improvements. The focus is to improve connections and transportation options to the Seymour sidewalk network, train station and Naugatuck River Greenway Trail to the south, and the Larkin Bridle Trail to the north, as well as to all the businesses, services, green spaces, and residential areas within the corridor.  The potential for transit service was also investigated, focusing on connections to services and major residential and commercial centers and to surrounding communities.

The Oxford Main Street Project Committee is overseeing the project, and it builds on previous work the committee has undertaken to improve access to the Little River and natural resources along Route 67. The goal is to provide better access to the businesses and natural resources throughout the corridor.  The final report will provide a cohesive plan for the entire corridor to better enable the Town to plan, prioritize, and fund future improvements. The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) is funding the project with federal transportation planning funds.  TranSystems Corporation, a planning and engineering consultant with offices in Meriden, CT is the project consultant.  A final report, incorporating comments from stakeholders and the public, will be published this summer.

Oxford’s Plan of Conservation and Development prioritized creating more of a downtown feel along Route 67. Unlike many of its neighbors, Oxford does not have a typical walkable New England downtown or Main Street.

Instead, municipal and commercial areas are dispersed along with residences along State Route 67. While Route 67 fundamentally functions as Oxford’s “Main Street,” it currently has no sidewalks or safe bicycle or pedestrian access.  In addition, there is currently no public transit currently operated along Route 67 providing residents an alternative transportation option.  Transit options by train on Metro North and by bus on CT Transit are available only one mile from the Oxford town line, but there is currently no way for Oxford residents to safely access these services without a personal motor vehicle.

Oxford First Selectman George Temple explained that “Oxford residents have voiced support for pedestrian and bicycle access along the Little River and Route 67. This study allows us to make progress toward that goal, and to give the public a chance to help guide and contribute to future efforts”.

TranSystems Project Manager Casey Hardin said that “This is the time for area residents to provide input on the planning for this important municipal resource. The study includes recommendations to improve mobility options for bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as folks who would like options beyond their automobile”.

Naugatuck River Greenway Updates

Naugatuck river Greenway in Beacon Falls

There have been some recent developments in planning and construction of the Naugatuck River Greenway Trail and other region multiuse trails.

NRG Trails Priority Projects Identified

On March 10, the Naugatuck River Greenway Steering Committee (NRGSC) endorsed updated NRG Trail Project Priorities.  The NRG Trail Project Priorities – March 2021 Report and accompanying Interactive Map, provide details about the seven identified priority sections and criteria used to identify them as such.  It also provides up to date information about the routing and status of all trail sections. 

Ansonia Riverwalk Sections 3 and 4 Construction Underway

Construction on Ansonia Riverwalk Segments 3 and 4, part of the NRG Trail, is underway.  The sections consist of a paved walkway on the existing levee embankment that will extend from South Main Street to the parking lot on the Target property on the East side of the Naugatuck River. There will be two rest areas with benches and one observation platform to view the natural habitat. Additional trees and landscaping improvements will be made at the main entrance adjacent to the Target parking lot. Schultz Corporation will be doing the construction and the project was designed by Luchs/DeCarlo and Doll. The project was funded through the Transportation Alternatives Set Aside Program.

Waterbury Phase I Delayed

The first NRG section in Waterbury along the Naugatuck River is going to be delayed a bit longer due to shortages of building material that stems from issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to city officials. The City planned to start this spring on a 2.2-mile stretch of the pathway, which will eventually be part of of the City’s 7.5-mile section of NRG Trail. Now, Mayor Neil M. O’Leary expects to begin work in mid-June.

Improvements to Derby-Shelton Bridge Underway

Construction has commenced on a project to renovate and rehabilitate the Derby-Shelton Bridge. Improvements will include a connection between the NRG Trail in Derby and Shelton’s River Walk with the creation of a larger pedestrian space and a bi-directional cycle track to separate bicyclists from both vehicular traffic and pedestrians. 

Watertown Steele Brook Greenway Segment Funded

Funding has been awarded to Watertown for the construction of a section of Steele Brook Greenway, a multi-use trail in Watertown. This project will connect two existing sections of trail and construct a new pedestrian bridge over Steele Brook near French Street. Watertown was awarded federal funding for the project under the Transportation Alternatives Set Aside Program. The project has not yet been initiated.

Visit our Naugatuck River Greenway page for more information.

Work to Begin on the Derby-Shelton Bridge

Derby Shelton Bridge design

Renovation work on the Derby-Shelton Bridge is moving forward, as the state has tapped a contractor for the project which should begin by April 1. The bridge was built in 1918 and is historically significant. While the substructure is in good condition, many elements have deteriorated over time, including the pavement structure, parapet walls, and lighting.  

The intent of the project is to renovate and rehabilitate the elements along the top of the bridge and enhance the bridge’s aesthetics. Because it connects two downtowns, there is an opportunity to improve not only its function but also its form and create an aesthetically pleasing public space for pedestrians and bicyclists. The project limits extend from the intersection with Route 34 (Main Street) in Derby to the west end of the Derby-Shelton Bridge and includes the connections to Canal Street.  This is part of a series of improvements along the Route 34 corridor in recent years.

The $6.3 million contract was awarded to Mohawk Northeast, Inc. Construction. The bid was almost $1.5 million below its pre-bid estimate on the work, completion of which should be December 2023.

Please visit this project’s webpage for more information.

New Survey for the West Main Street Corridor Study in Waterbury

West Main Street going east facing the Green

NVCOG, in coordination with the City of Waterbury and the CT Department of Transportation, is studying the corridor of West Main Street from the underpass of Route 8 to the Waterbury Green. The intent of the study is to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities of this stretch of road to develop solutions that improve safety for all users including pedestrians, cyclists, public transit riders, and drivers.

As part of this process, we’d like to gather feedback from the public to provide a unique perspective on how the roadway is currently used and how it could better serve your needs in the future.

Please answer the following questions and check out our project website for more information! https://www.westmainstudy.com/

 

Survey in English or Encuesta en Español

 



TOD Economic Opportunities Webinar Informs Local Leaders of Tools for Possibilities
Anosnia Train Station
As part of the Route 8 and Waterbury Branch Line Corridor TOD and Alternative Modes Project, the NVCOG, and its consultant team of AECOM and CDM Smith, is investigating how to improve service on the Waterbury Rail Line and assessing the opportunities for creating Transit-Oriented Developments (TOD) in the vicinity of the Waterbury rail line stations. To date, the project team has looked at the existing conditions along the Waterbury rail line, interviewed passengers to get their opinions on current service and what is needed, held a series of TOD opportunity workshops in WRL host communities, developed a recommended rail improvement program and assessed the possibility of implementing a bus rapid transit (BRT) system within the Route 8 corridor. To learn more about the project and view published documents, please visit the project website at rt8corridorstudy.com.


The webinar was open to municipal officials, city/town planners, economic development staff,  commission members, and other elected officials with the public able to watch a live stream. While the focus is on the Waterbury rail line corridor and the host communities, this tool may be of interest to other cities and towns and we are encouraging anyone interested to view a recording of this webinar on the NVCOG YouTube Channel.


Presentation Slides


Any public comment can be submitted to Mark Nielsen at (203) 757-5305 or mnielsen@nvcogct.gov


Contract Awarded For Derby-Shelton Bridge Renovation
Derby Shelton Bridge design
For Immediate Release: February 1, 2021


Contacts:

Mark Nielsen

Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments

203-757-0535

mnielsen@nvcogct.org


CONTRACT AWARDED FOR DERBY-SHELTON BRIDGE RENOVATION


A contract to renovate the Derby Shelton-Bridge was awarded by the State of Connecticut on January 26, 2021. The project will create an aesthetically pleasing public space along the Derby-Shelton Bridge and provide an attractive gateway that is pedestrian and bicycle friendly to the downtown areas of Derby and Shelton.


The $6.3 million contract was awarded to Mohawk Northeast, Inc. Construction is scheduled to begin by April 1st, 2021, with an estimated completion date of December 2023. The bid was awarded almost $1.5 million below its pre-bid estimate.


The project design was performed by AECOM under contract to the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG). Details include:


• The replacement of bridge parapet walls; The new parapet will feature a solid concrete wall similar in design to the existing wall with decorative railings similar in style to railings in the adjacent Veteran’s Memorial Park in Shelton. The railing treatment and its placement along the parapet will provide safety, as well as aesthetically attractive sightlines.


• The removal of existing lighting and replacement with period style lights that both enhance the presence of the bridge at night and comply with dark sky guidelines. The project also includes colored LED “up-lighting” that will accent the archways and parapets from below the bridge and can be changed and programmed depending on the season or special events.


• Roadway improvements will include adding a second travel lane for traffic heading to Derby, new pavement and curbing, and the shifting of the travel lanes to accommodate wider sidewalks on the south side of the bridge and a bi-directional cycle-track to separate bicyclists from both vehicle traffic and pedestrians.


The project marks the second major element of a three-part plan developed by the NVCOG to improve traffic flow and pedestrian experience connecting Derby and Shelton, according to NVCOG Executive Director Rick Dunne. “Beginning with the expansion of the Atwater Bridge crossing of the Naugatuck River on Route 34, which was completed in 2017, the three projects span two rivers from the east bank of the Naugatuck River, through downtown Derby and across to the west bank of the Housatonic River at Canal Street in Shelton”, said Dunne. “As the Derby-Shelton Bridge project commences with construction”, according to Dunne “The final phase, a complete reconstruction of Main and lower Elizabeth streets in Derby will be advertised for bid by July 2021. The Main Street project is expected to be completed in 2024”.


The Derby-Shelton Bridge project will also offer connectivity with the existing Housatonic Riverwalk trail network in Shelton and the Naugatuck River Greenway in Derby. The project limits will extend from the Bridge Street intersection with Main Street in Derby to the west end of the Derby-Shelton Bridge and along the SE Ramp to Canal Street.


“We’re excited with the announcement of state’s contract award for this project,” said Mark Nielsen, NVCOG Director of Planning. “Multiple public workshops were held in 2020 to ensure residents and stakeholders had an opportunity to provide input into the design. Several changes were made to plans because of comments we received, and the final result will benefit the Valley with an improved gateway into both cities.”


Initial funding to get the project started was obtained through the efforts of State Reps. Jason Perillo and Nicole Klarides-Ditria along with former State Reps. Themis Klarides and Linda Gentile. “Without their efforts, it is doubtful the project would be built,” said Nielsen.


“This is a special bridge with tremendous historical significance,” said Rep. Jason Perillo, R-113, Deputy House Republican Leader. “As Shelton’s downtown sees continued private investment, improvements like this make these and future projects more attractive to investors, residents, and visitors. This will become a new and beautiful gateway to Shelton over the Housatonic.”


“Smart investments like these do more than strengthen our infrastructure, they yield incredible results for the people of Derby and Shelton, including boosting local business and connecting our communities even further,” Rep. Klarides-Ditria, R-105, said. “I’m pleased this project is moving ahead and look forward to seeing the bridge finished.”


–End—


(Details and renderings of the project can be found at: https://nvcogct.gov/project/current-projects/roadway-projects/derby-shelton-bridge-pedestrian-and-bicyclist-enhancements/