A public information meeting was held in Danbury last night by the state Department of Transportation.  It was about the upcoming construction of Route 37 intersection improvements at Stacey Road and Barnum Road.  The design of these projects is nearly complete and the public information meeting is being held to talk go over the construction and schedule.

The existing Stacey Road intersection is a “Y” type, controlled by two stop signs at both Stacey Road approaches to Route 37.  This project will realign Stacey Road to form a signalized “T” type intersection with Route 37.  Stacey Road will have a two-lane approach to Route 37.  Route 37 will be realigned to have a gentler curve through the intersection and an exclusive southbound left-turn lane.  Left-turn lanes will also be added. The estimated total cost of this project is approximately $5,100,000.

The existing Barnum Road intersection has a stop sign control at the approach to Route 37.  Route 37's northbound shoulder will be widened to allow vehicles to pass those waiting to make a left turn onto Barnum Road.  The Barnum Road southbound shoulder will be widened at its Route 37 intersection to allow right-turning traffic to pass vehicles waiting to make a left turn onto Route 37.  No additional signalization is proposed. The estimated total cost of this project is approximately $1,500,000.

The sidewalk fronting the Stetson Place property will be extended north to the intersection at Barnum Road.

Construction is anticipated to begin in April and last 20 months.  Route 37 will be temporarily widened to accommodate two lanes of through traffic during construction.  Access to all driveways will be maintained at all times.

There are right-of-way impacts associated with these improvements including partial acquisition, permanent easements, temporary construction easements, and rights.