The Connecticut Department of Transportation assumed the administration of a $7 million mobility project originally conceived and designed by a regional planning organization, the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments. The Derby-Shelton Bridge Pedestrian and Bicyclist Access Improvements project scope included enhancements to the aesthetics of the bridge structure and connectivity of both cities’ downtown areas, including a dedicated bike lane, planted buffer zone, linear illumination system, and the reopening of Bridge Street SE that connects the Derby Greenway to Canal Street and Veterans Park in downtown Shelton. This project also included repairs to the underside of the structure, historic parapet replacement with new decorative railings that incorporated the surrounding historic architecture, and new pavement overlay. The agency stated that the completed project offers a safer, more visually appealing gateway for both cities. Its dedicated bike track and buffer zone enhance safety for non-vehicular travelers while preserving traffic flow between the two revitalized downtowns.
America's Transportation Awards 