It has taken many years, but there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel regarding the re-configuration of the two main intersections in Granby center. Director of Community Development Fran Armentano noted that this is the result of the ongoing complaints by residents who utilize these roads during the rush hour commutes. Although there are other problems, it is the long lines of traffic during rush hours that are most annoying. During peak times, traffic on Rte. 10/202 can be backed up to Salmon Brook Park and to the East Granby town line on Rte. 20.
In consultation with Granby’s town manager, director of development, police chief and town engineer, the State Department of Transportation worked on a plan to help alleviate the congestion given the logistics of the geography of the town center. The DOT’s original solution was to install six-lane roads at the intersections, but the town rejected that as a too drastic and unsuitable change to the town center.
Representatives from the DOT presented the current preliminary plans to re-configure the roads at a public meeting in the Senior Center on March 16. The basics of the plan can be seen on the Granby town website home page or in Armentano’s office in town hall.
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This presentation was the first step in the process that, if approved, would be expected to culminate in the year 2021. If the Board of Selectmen support the plan, a semi-final and then final design will be presented, after which “right of way” action will begin. In that phase, partial property acquisitions and easements will be obtained. In addition to 11 partial acquisitions, there is one total acquisition that might be necessary: the removal of the former print shop on the corner of Rte. 10/202 and Rte. 189 (Hartford Avenue).
After these acquisitions are made, it is expected that construction would begin in 2020. The total cost of the reconfiguration is estimated at $6,350,000. Eighty percent of funds will be provided by the federal government and 20 percent by the state.
This presentation was made to elicit comments from residents to gauge whether there is enough support to justify the cost of proceeding with further development of the plan. Many people asked questions and presented their viewpoints. For those who could not attend the meeting or have additional comments to make, you may send email directly to Timothy.Wilson@ct.gov before March 30.
Photo caption (photo name is “Granby Ctr intersection 4’16”)
A plan to ease road congestion
Connecticut DOT staffers outlined plans to ease traffic flow in Granby Center at a recent meeting. If approved, construction is slated to begin in 2020.
