Final version of the plan includes historic improvements to bicycle and pedestrian access and safety in West Hartford
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (September 24, 2024) – After months of extensive community engagement and public outreach, the Town of West Hartford today announced the adoption of a reimagined Town Center Infrastructure Plan. The final plan reflects input from a wide range of local stakeholders and balances the town’s goals of enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety while preserving the charm and character that defines West Hartford’s town center.
The Town Center Infrastructure Plan also includes significant investments in public spaces and mobility hubs, allowing for more dynamic, flexible spaces that will foster a welcoming and lively atmosphere. Improved connectivity between the center and the rest of town will make it easier for residents to explore local shops and restaurants, further boosting the economic vitality of the area.
Key elements of the extensive improvement project include:
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Enhanced pedestrian and cyclist safety: Ensuring safer, more accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists by addressing critical infrastructure issues such as aging street trees and damaged sidewalks, and updating faded and worn crosswalks, improving walkability.
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Increased bike access measures: Creating new, direct connections to the town center via strategically placed mobility hubs, which are areas where people can seamlessly connect to different forms of transportation, providing welcoming experiences for our community to connect. This will include improvements to the Trout Brook Trail, which will encourage sustainable transportation options to and from the Center and can provide bike shelters, micro-mobility parking and charging, and bike, e-bike, and e-scooter share/rentals.
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Preserving neighborhood charm: Enhancing streetscapes by planting new and more trees, wider landscaped areas, implementing traffic calming measures like raised crosswalks, and emphasize preserving elements such as wider sidewalks and expanded outdoor dining that make West Hartford’s center unique, while maintaining traditional pull-in parking.
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Creation of flexible public spaces for community events: Installing a new bollard system to permit temporary closure of LaSalle Road for special events such as artist performances, street fairs, and holidays, creating new opportunities for community engagement while supporting local businesses and contributing to the town’s cultural vibrancy.
