News
$40 million for Route 7 improvements in Danbury announced
By Governor Rell's office
Jul 24, 2008 - 12:54:08 PM

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that $40 million for improvements to a two-mile section of Route 7 in Danbury is expected to be approved when the state Bond Commission meets August 4.

“We had originally anticipated that the federal government would be providing with the majority of funding for this project, but that money is not currently available,” Governor Rell said. “However, I am committed to finishing that section of the roadway and these funds will prevent this project from being further delayed. These improvements are critically important to the greater Danbury area and I will do everything possible to keep this project moving forward.

“The Route 7 Corridor is the most heavily traveled north-south thoroughfare in western Connecticut,” Governor Rell said. “Retail and corporate businesses, commuters and shoppers – not to mention school buses and parents trying to get their kids to sports activities – funnel through this bottleneck on a daily basis. As someone who lives in the vicinity, I know that it is vitally important for the economy of western Connecticut and the peace of mind of citizens that these improvements be completed.”

This is another phase of a major widening and improvement project for Route 7 from Norwalk, north through Wilton, Redding, Ridgefield, Danbury, Brookfield and New Milford. This phase, entirely in Danbury, will start just north of the Ridgefield town line and will extend north approximately two miles. It will provide two lanes in each direction and will link to the existing expressway portion of Route 7 near the Danbury Fair Mall. This phase will be advertised for construction in August and the work is expected to be completed in 2011.

Governor Rell thanked State Rep. John Frey for his long-time support of the Route 7 project.

“These funds are critical to keeping these important Route 7 improvements on track,” Rep. John Frey said. “This project has been one of my top priorities, it is one of the region’s top priorities and it will make this stretch of the corridor safer and more efficient for both commuters and businesses.”

Improvements have been completed to the 1.5-mile section of Route 7 just north of Route 35 in Ridgefield. Extending a short distance into Danbury, the earlier project provided two lanes in each direction, as well as turning lanes at key intersections.

The Bond Commission, chaired by Governor Rell, will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 4, in the Legislative Office Building adjacent to the State Capitol in Hartford.

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