More than 12,000 crashes occurred in Waterbury during the three-year period from 2020 and 2022. On local streets, crashes caused 19 fatalities and 127 serious injuries; these deaths and injuries are unacceptable on our roadways. With support from the NVCOG, Waterbury is pursuing a comprehensive strategy for implementing residential street traffic calming interventions across the city.
Residential street traffic calming is a proven strategy to improve safety for all road users, especially vulnerable travelers like children, seniors, pedestrians, and bicyclists. As vehicle speed increases, crashes become significantly more likely to result in serious injury and death. Research shows that even a few miles per hour decrease in vehicle speed can drastically reduce the likelihood that a pedestrian survives a crash with a motor vehicle.
As the NVCOG works to achieve its goal of zero deaths and serious injuries from traffic crashes by 2060, the agency is developing a sample policy and guidebook outlining how Waterbury may best address road safety concerns and respond to resident requests.
In support of the City of Waterbury’s desire to develop a strategy for residential street traffic calming, the NVCOG will produce a study that provides a sample policy and guidebook for how the city may best address safety concerns and respond to resident requests.
The completed study will include several components:
- A speed management strategy guidebook which uses a data-driven approach to determining available interventions in Waterbury. The document will contain analysis of accepted speed management strategies and their effectiveness, as well as technical installation criteria and base cost estimates.
- A sample process for resident requests and associated documentation.
- A proposed implementation plan with recommended mitigation efforts, funding options, timelines, and a public engagement strategy.
Residents will have many opportunities for participation throughout the study period, including a formal public comment period at its conclusion.
Development of a comprehensive speed management strategy proposal for Waterbury is expected to continue through Autumn 2024. Implementation of the NVCOG’s recommendations is at the discretion of the city.
Throughout the Residential Street Traffic Calming Study, the NVCOG will conduct robust community engagement with Waterbury residents and neighborhood organizations. Community engagement will begin in April 2024.
Public Involvement Process
The NVCOG staff is currently crafting a public engagement plan that allows ample opportunities for meaningful feedback from a broad and diverse audience.
Public Meetings
- Waterbury Silas Bronson Library 06/17/24
Survey
The NVCOG has published an online survey to solicit public input regarding perceived speed issue locations, preferred traffic calming interventions, and ideal public request processes. Waterbury residents are strongly encouraged to participate and share with neighbors. Take the survey at https://arcg.is/LzG91.
Stakeholder Meetings
The NVCOG will conduct a series of stakeholder meetings, community pop ups, and office hours to receive input from Waterbury residents and neighborhood associations. Direct community outreach will begin in May 2024.
Stay Updated on Social Media
Stay up to date on the Waterbury Residential Street Traffic Calming Study and other transportation initiatives on the NVCOG website and its social media platforms, which include Facebook, Instagram, X (Formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn.
Waterbury Crash Data Overview
19,087 crashes occurred in Waterbury from 2020 to 2023, involving 36,493 motor vehicles and 45,526 persons. While most traffic incidents resulted in no apparent injuries, far too many led to serious injury or death.
Staff Contact:
Christian Damiana
Transportation Planner
cdamiana@nvcogct.gov