Alternate 2 — the Preferred Plan.
Branford is looking at a new study with three alternate proposals to fix the incomplete interchange of I‑95 at Exit 53. Efforts have been ongoing since at least 1992 to address safety concerns and spur development.
The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) and engineers from BL Companies in Meriden presented information at a public session last week. About 17 people attended the meeting at the community room of Branford’s Fire Headquarters.
The presentation is on the SCRCOG website and will be on the town website.
Stephen Dudley, deputy director of SCRCOG, will be accepting comments and questions about the project through June 15. Dudley may be reached at [email protected]
Where’s the Funding
(L-R): Stephen Dudley; Mike Shepley; and Steve Fraysier
Dudley said the study is the first step in a lengthy process. But the main factor is funding for the project, which is estimated at about $24 million.
“It’s a matter of money — what money is available, and when it’s available and to be perfectly blunt, how much priority the Department of Transportation puts on this, above all other projects throughout the state,” Dudley said.
“And if this is going to happen, it’s going to take the town of Branford championing it, otherwise it’s going to be lost in the midst of billions and billions of other dollars-worth of statewide needs,” Dudley said.
“The project started in discussions in 1992,” Dudley said, adding that there have been several different proposals to address the issues over the years.
Dudley cautioned that all of this is preliminary and is subject to state and federal approval. He said additional public sessions will be scheduled if the project proceeds.
A Very Long Process
“This is another first step that is required in order for us to get DOT on board, to get funding in place, and move forward,” said First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove. “This is going to be a very long process — many years.” Cosgrove is the current chair of SCRCOG.
Cosgrove and Town Engineer Janice Plaziak have taken their concerns about Exit 53 to the DOT, as have previous administrations, and state legislators including State Rep. Lonnie Reed.
“It has been a long-long term project for the town to try to improve this area,” Plaziak said. She cautioned that “Nothing is set in stone. This is a study and things can evolve. These projects take time to get funded and move forward.”
“A Missing Link”
There is no northbound entrance onto I‑95 at Exit 53, and there is no southbound exit from I‑95. That means traffic traveling from Guilford and beyond have to get off I‑95 at Exit 54 and travel on Route 1 to reach shopping or restaurants near Exit 53. And they have to repeat the process on the return trip. This causes congestion on Route 1. Motorists from New Haven can exit and re-enter I‑95 at Exit 53.
“There is a missing link at Exit 53,” said Steve Fraysier of BL Companies as he explained the purpose of the study. “We want to make that connectivity between Route 1 and I‑95 at Exit 53.”
Fraysier said the area needs to be looked at holistically with a focus on roadway safety and reducing crash rates. He said another consideration is the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), which is being updated this year. “We don’t want to inhibit, or not make possible, any future development in the area,” Fraysier said.
Engineer Mike Shepley talks with residents .
Mike Shepley (pictured), a senior engineer with BL Companies, said the area from Exit 53 to Exit 54 was studied, including the Service Plazas on I‑95, the Branford Connector, Commercial Parkway and Route 1. Three alternate plans were presented, and they can be viewed at the SCRCOG website.
“Alternate 2 was the preferred alternate,” Shepley said. The plan includes a traditional full-access diamond interchange. According to the study, Alternate 2 would provide the least amount of environmental impacts, and more potential for development opportunities.
Shepley said the project could be split into three phases. Phase One would include realignment of the Branford Connector and Commercial Parkway, and re-doing the commuter parking lot, at an estimated cost of $5.5 million. Phase Two would include changes to Route 1, at a cost of about $4.5 million. Phase Three would include re-doing the entire interchange at Exit 53, which is estimated at about $14 million.
Fraysier said the next steps would include finalizing the study, receiving comments, working with the town to select the preferred plan, looking for funding sources and then doing the preliminary engineering designs. He said the entire process would take years to complete.
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