Crisco says traffic experts working on Rt. 34 safety improvements

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. , D-Woodbridge, today reported continuing progress toward traffic safety improvements for Valley residents who use heavily traveled Route 34. 

State Department of Transportation officials are working collaboratively with Town of Seymour personnel and the area’s legislative delegation to make the intersection of Routes 188 and 34 less dangerous for motorists.

Crisco said the DOT has reviewed the recent crash history of the intersection and provided him with a comprehensive report; the DOT has also prepared a conceptual site improvement plan, along with a list of suggested, shorter-term improvements for town officials to consider.

“In recent years, traffic accidents where Route 188 ends at Route 34 have led to injuries and property losses for victims and inconvenience for other Valley motorists forced to endure the delays,” Crisco said. “It’s been gratifying this year to know the efforts of our legislative delegation, the DOT, the Valley Council of Governments, and municipal officials are advancing the cause of traffic safety for the valley residents who use that road.”

Crisco said the DOT has already replaced all the traffic signs in the area and repainted the road striping; installation of a traffic light is under consideration and enhanced speed enforcement, including the possibility of rumble strips, is under discussion for later this year.

“Route 34, which connects greater New Haven with the Danbury area as well as I-95 with I-84, has become a vital thoroughfare for Valley residents and truckers alike, and it is imperative we do all we can to ensure safe passage for all who use it,” Crisco said.
“The short-term mitigation measures already completed or underway represent a good start toward our long-term goal; I will continue pressing for wider roads and turn lanes on each to help keep drivers safe and help maintain a smooth flow of traffic.”

Crisco said the efforts of state Representatives Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia, Theresa Conroy D-Seymour, and Themis Klarides, R-Derby, have been most helpful throughout this process, working with local government leaders and state officials toward consensus on the most expeditious route forward.

This is a press release from Crisco's office.