How can Shelton fix Howe Avenue's 200+ crash zone?

Addressing Traffic Challenges on Howe Avenue

The rapid development in Shelton's downtown area has led to a noticeable increase in traffic congestion, particularly along the city's main thoroughfare. This issue has become especially pronounced on Howe Avenue, where traffic jams are a daily occurrence. City officials have recognized the need for action and are now seeking assistance from the state to address the growing traffic problems.

Howe Avenue has experienced over 400 accidents in the past three years, with a significant portion of these incidents occurring within a one-mile stretch of the road. To tackle this issue, the Shelton Economic Development Corp. (SEDC) is working closely with the police department's traffic division to request a road safety audit from the state Department of Transportation. The audit will focus on the segment of Howe Avenue between Park Street and Beard Street.

Mayor Mark Lauretti emphasized the importance of regularly reviewing traffic patterns and behaviors. He stated that improvements are necessary to manage the increasing traffic volume. Police Chief Shawn Sequeira also supports the initiative, noting that the audit could help identify areas for improvement and contribute to better traffic flow in the downtown area.

If approved, the audit is expected to be completed in a timely manner by the state. Sheila O’Malley, President of the Shelton Economic Development Corp., mentioned that the audit is free of charge. She previously had a similar audit conducted on a section of Main Street in Ansonia during her tenure as economic development head in that city.

O’Malley explained that the audit would identify short-, mid-, and long-term improvements, leaving it to the city to decide whether to implement them. The city's decision to request the audit was influenced by discussions with Mayor Lauretti and SEDC board members.

Factors Contributing to Increased Traffic

City officials attribute the increased traffic congestion on Howe Avenue to the rise in mixed-use developments. The data provided by the police department shows an average annual daily traffic volume of 11,000 vehicles on that stretch of road. Over the past three years, there have been 227 crashes, including two fatalities.

The affected area is one of the city's most successful mixed-use redevelopment zones. It is also witnessing the construction of housing units to meet various unmet needs, such as workforce housing, market housing, and age-restricted housing. The increased development and pedestrian activity have created more conflicts among road users.

Several developments are identified as key contributors to traffic congestion. These include:

• 113 and 125 Canal St.: A mixed-use plan featuring more than 100 apartments and 1,745 square feet of commercial space.
• River Breeze Commons: 68 units.
• Clock Tower Apartments: 100 units located on Petremont Lane near River Road.
• Riverview Park Royal: 92 apartments and 13,000 square feet of retail space at 113-123 Canal St.
• Cedar Village at The Locks: 129 units with retail space at 287 Canal St.

Additionally, the city is working on the Constitution Boulevard West Extension, which leads to the 76-acre Mas property. A manufacturing hub is planned for this site. Phase One of the project, extending from Bridgeport Avenue to the Mas property, is expected to be completed by spring 2026. Work on Phase Two, involving internal roads within the Mas property, is ongoing.