The first phase of traffic congestion easing on Federal Road in Brookfield will start this Spring.  The state Department of Transportation has sent a project authorization letter to Brookfield officials about safety improvements along Route 202. 

The DOT will begin by moving all of the light poles between BJs and Ramen House.  Next Spring, the DOT will start adding turn lanes by Chik-fil-A and elsewhere.  Traffic lights are planned at several intersections, and a through-road will be created near the YMCA. 

The DOT and Brookfield entered into an agreement for construction back in 2013. 

The project includes intersection improvements between the Shop Rite plaza and Costco.  The work involves widening, constructing sidewalks, providing bus passenger shelters and paving Route 202 from Costco to the existing southern Old New Milford Road intersection.  Plans also call for aligning the southern Old New Milford Road intersection and converting the northern Old New Milford Road intersection.  That portion of the project requires construction of a stone garden for erosion control. 

When the work is completed, Brookfield will be responsible for all maintenance, repairs and snow and ice removal from sidewalks, bus shelters and the garden.  80-percent of the funding comes from the federal government, with 20-percent paid for by the state.