By Tiffany Williams –
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Federal, state and local officials announced Friday that the City of New Britain has been awarded a $14.7 million federal Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to support a major roadway improvement project that aims to enhance safety, reduce congestion and strengthen access to public transportation on the city’s east side.
Governor Ned Lamont, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Senator Chris Murphy, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes and Mayor Bobby Sanchez said the funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation will support improvements at the intersection of Route 174 and East Street.
According to state officials, the project will realign the intersection to improve safety, reduce traffic congestion, enhance pedestrian and bicycle access and strengthen connections to the CTfastrak East Main Street Station.
The corridor currently consists of a two-lane roadway that carries approximately 8,000 vehicles each day in both directions. Officials said the existing offset intersection will be converted into a traditional four-way signalized intersection designed to reduce vehicle conflict points and improve traffic operations.
Additional improvements will include new sidewalks, upgraded traffic signals, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps and streetscape enhancements intended to create a safer gateway to downtown New Britain and nearby transit-oriented development.
Construction is anticipated to begin 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.
“We are building the foundation for safer roads and stronger connections that will support future growth in this area,” Governor 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.”
Mayor Bobby Sanchez said the project addresses long-standing safety concerns at one of the city’s busiest intersections.
“This funding is a major victory for New Britain and for everyone who travels through this corridor every day,” Mayor 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.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal said the federal investment will improve safety while supporting economic growth and transit access.
“This $14.6 million federal investment will transform a dangerous intersection into a safer, more welcoming, and efficient gateway for everyone who uses it while strengthening access to CTfastrak and supporting economic growth,” Senator Blumenthal said. “I am proud to have helped deliver this infrastructure funding, which will provide lasting benefits for New Britain, and I look forward to the safer commutes, stronger connections, and new opportunities it will bring to the community.”
Senator Chris Murphy said the project is designed to improve safety for motorists and other travelers.
“This redesign is about making it safer for auto traffic, but it’s also about making it safer for all kinds of commuters,” Senator Murphy said. “It’s an important, well-designed project and as someone with New Britain roots, I am really excited to come back to see what it looks like when this neighborhood is transformed.”
Congresswoman Jahana Hayes said the project demonstrates the impact of cooperation among all levels of government.
“This project is a perfect example of what federal, state, and local partnerships can accomplish,” Congresswoman Hayes said. “I am pleased to see the next phase of revitalization move forward through federal dollars I advocated for on behalf of the city. Safer roads and improved commutes will build on the progress made and work to solidify New Britain as a key urban center.”
Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said the project will modernize an outdated intersection while improving travel for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists.
“Modernizing this outdated Z-curve intersection will make travel safer for the thousands of people who use this corridor every day,” Commissioner Eucalitto said. “We’re proud to partner with the city on this project to improve traffic flow and create safer connections for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.”
Officials said the BUILD grant was awarded this month through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s BUILD program, which provides funding for transportation projects that improve safety, mobility, economic opportunity and quality of life.
The project is located within New Britain’s East Side Neighborhood Revitalization Zone and supports ongoing transit-oriented development on a 4.6-acre city-owned property adjacent to the CTfastrak East Main Street Station.
State officials also said the redevelopment effort is moving forward with support from a $6 million Connecticut Community Investment Fund grant that will be used for environmental remediation and demolition activities at the site.