State and town officials gathered at the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library on Nov. 1 to welcome an $800K infrastructure and connectivity grant that will allow improvements on Scotland Avenue. The grant was announced in a July press release and comes courtesy of the Community Connectivity Grant Program (CCGP) administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT).

The CCGP provides funding to municipalities to enhance facilities for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users in urban, suburban, and rural community centers. According to a July press release, the grant will be used to increase pedestrian safety and accessibility for the surrounding neighborhoods to the downtown center, public transportation facilities, and a town athletic facility. The project includes the addition of sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks, guide rails, and traffic signage, as well as drainage enhancements and paving.

CTDOT Deputy Commissioner Karen Kitsis said the project will help connect Scotland Avenue with downtown.

“It will connect to existing sidewalks, which is really at the heart of what we want to do,” she said. “We want to create a network of mobility and accessibility."

First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons echoed Kitsis' comments, adding that she expects the improvements will benefit the downtown area.

“This will make it easier for people to access the downtown area, including the library,” Lyons said. “There will also be more housing built nearby. It will be safer for people to get from Scotland Avenue and into the library or downtown area.”

An exact start date for construction has not been set.