Chelsea Harbor/Downtown Norwich Mobility Study
The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) and the City of Norwich are currently conducting a Transportation Mobility Study of downtown Norwich. The goal is to make travel to and throughout downtown as safe, walkable, and enjoyable as possible. SCCOG and the City would like to hear from residents, visitors, property owners, and other stakeholders about how to achieve this goal. Please take/distribute this survey to anyone who might have an interest in improving travel to and from downtown Norwich.
There are a variety of improvements to the transportation system and circulation that are being proposed. A list of the critical changes is below, while a full overview map of the changes is on the back page.
- Chelsea Harbor Drive becomes a local street and is cut off from Water Street.
- Water Street/Route 2 becomes two-way, with one lane in each direction, carrying both eastbound and westbound traffic.
- With the removal of Chelsea Harbor Drive from the intersection, the traffic signal at the Water Street/Courthouse Square intersection can have a much simpler two-phase operation.
- Install a traffic signal at Water Street and Market Street to allow all vehicle movements from Market Street onto Water Street.
- Install curb extensions and a median island to reduce the crosswalk distance at Main Street/Broadway/Courthouse Square.
- Convert Washington Square into a roundabout, similar to Franklin Square.
- Convert Westside Boulevard into a pedestrian and bike “Bridge of Roses” with a park area at the west end of the bridge.
- Install a roundabout at the intersection of W. Main Street/Route 82 and N. Thames Street/N. High Street.
- The W. Main Street bridge/Route 82 becomes two-way between Washington Square and N. Thames Street/N. High Street.
- Install a traffic signal at W. Main Street and Falls Ave/the Norwich Marina.
These improvements will give the City of Norwich a blueprint to move forward with transportation changes that will make getting around downtown easier and more accessible for all users. An implementation plan will be developed to recommend phasing and provide high-level cost estimates of the different options.
Come to our public meeting in Room 335 at Norwich City Hall on June 5 at 5 pm.
Visit www.downtownnorwichmobilitystudy.com and send us a message!
Public Meeting
June 5, 2024
5 pm
City Hall, Room 335
Why a Mobility Study?
- To develop alternatives to the current traffic configuration and flows.
- To improve access and safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, drivers, and transit.
- To expand recreational use of waterfront area and boating access
- To foster additional economic activity in the downtown
What will be done?
- Collect data on existing conditions (traffic counts, signals, infrastructure, etc.)
- Get feedback from the public, City staff, and CTDOT
- Develop possible alternatives for implementation
Where is the study taking place?
- Downtown Norwich: Route 2, Route 82, Route 32, and Route 12; Chelsea Harbor
When is the study taking place?
- Summer 2023 - Summer 2024
How can I get involved?
- Take the survey!
- Tell your friends and neighbors
- Check out the website:
Mobility Study Timeline
Summer 2023
- Collect data on existing conditions
- Develop study website
- Conduct public engagement to raise awareness of the study and gather feedback on existing issues
Fall 2023
- First public information meeting and public survey about existing conditions
- Second pop-up meeting at local event to share project information
- Second Transportation Advisory Committee meeting to guide study
- Assess existing and future conditions of the study area
- Begin development of alternatives for the study area roadways
Winter 2023-2024
- Assess and refine roadway alternative concepts for the study area
Spring 2024
- Third Transportation Advisory Committee meeting
- Second Public information meeting to present preliminary alternative concepts for study area roadways
- Tactical engagement event (location and details TBD)
- Study update on preliminary and final alternatives for study area for Norwich City Council
- Develop and finalize the Transportation Improvement & Development Management Plan document
Phases
Chelsea Harbor/Downtown Norwich - Mobility Study
The Study will provide the groundwork for improved mobility along downtown Norwich. The need for improved pedestrian, bicycle, motorist, and transit accessibility in the downtown, for residents coming from the east and west side neighborhoods, and the waterfront area adjacent to the Intermodal Transportation Hub, is essential to local regional traffic flows, safety, and economic development efforts in the City of Norwich.
All feedback will assist the Study Team in the development of alternatives to improve the City of Norwich and to make it more livable, vital, and accessible for all people. Thank you for your participation!
Here is a direct link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MFBKFVB