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Mayor Caroline Simmons Announces New Infrastructure Investments and Vision Zero Initiatives

Post Date:02/23/2023 5:14 PM

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Stamford

 

Thursday, February 23, 2022

 

Contact:

Lauren Meyer

203-977-5115

LMeyer@stamfordct.gov

 

MAYOR CAROLINE SIMMONS ANNOUNCES NEW INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS AND VISION ZERO INITIATIVES

STAMFORD, CT – Today, Mayor Caroline Simmons was joined by Frank Petise, the City of Stamford’s Transportation, Traffic, and Parking Bureau Chief, members of Stamford’s Vision Zero Task Force and community advocates to announce initiatives and new infrastructure investments as part of the City’s Vision Zero program.

The initiatives include:

  • $2.7 million Communities Challenge Grant funding for the Latham Park Area Infrastructure Project
  • FY2023-2024 Budget Investments:
    1. Proposed restoration of $1.2 million for citywide traffic signals & $1.5 million for roadway design and reconstruction
    2. Allocation of $1 million of American Rescue Plan funds toward bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects
  • Washington Boulevard Safety Study
  • Vision Zero Crash Dashboard
  • 19 Pedestrian Safety Pilot Projects

“Today, I was proud to announce critical investments in our City’s infrastructure as well as projects and initiatives that contribute to our Vision Zero goals,” said Mayor Simmons. “These five initiatives will ensure greater walkability, access, and pedestrian safety across Stamford. Our City budget is a reflection of our priorities and values as a community and I have said from day one that investing in our City’s infrastructure and enhancing walkability and safety of our streets is one of my top priorities. I want to thank Frank Petise, Transportation Department Bureau Chief, for his leadership and partnership in executing on these important initiatives.”

The $2.7 million in state funding the City of Stamford received for the Latham Park Area Infrastructure Project will go toward the creation of a public plaza in the current parking lot at Bedford Street and Forest Street, the reconstruction of the intersection at Prospect Street and Forest Street, upgrading bike lanes, and rebuilding Walton Place to become a raised, shared street. Storm water system upgrades will also be included to improve aging infrastructure.

The City of Stamford Transportation, Traffic and Parking Department has partnered with the Connecticut Department of Transportation on a Road Safety Audit of Washington Boulevard between Hoyt Street and Station Place. The Department also released a Vision Zero Crash Dashboard on the City website showing the location of injury and fatal crashes, graphs and charts detailing crashes in Stamford, and comparisons of crashes in Stamford to other cities in Connecticut.

Finally, the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Department will launch 19 pedestrian safety pilot projects, targeting locations around schools, parks, train stations, business areas, and locations with a history of pedestrian crashes. These pilot project locations will be used to study pedestrian safety enhancements for possible future construction projects.

“The Transportation, Traffic and Parking Department is pleased to continue Mayor Simmons’ commitment to Vision Zero with the announcement of 19 pedestrian safety pilot projects throughout the City, as well as a new Vision Zero Crash Dashboard,” said Frank Petise, the City of Stamford Transportation, Traffic & Parking Bureau Chief. “I would like to thank the Vision Zero Task Force for their efforts with these initiatives. Additionally, we are excited to announce our partnership with the Connecticut Department of Transportation as we kick off the Road Safety Audit for Washington Boulevard. The Road Safety Audit will include public participation and identify short, medium, and long-term recommendations to increase safety throughout the corridor.”

The goal of the Vision Zero Initiative in the City of Stamford is to eliminate fatalities and severe injuries on Stamford’s streets by 2032. Vision Zero is a strategy that has been adopted in cities across the country to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. Information regarding the Stamford Vision Zero Program and Task Force can be found on the City’s website.

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