By Staff Report

In a message to constituents on Nov. 14, State Senator Christine Cohen (D, District 12) shared news and details on an $800,00 grant which has been awarded to Branford for pedestrian connectivity improvements.

The grant will be directed to assist underserved community areas by allowing installation and upgrading of sidewalks at Jefferson Road and Florence Road for pedestrian safety and to allow for safe access to bus lines, according to Cohen.

“I am thrilled to share that Branford has been awarded an $800,000 grant for Pedestrian Connectivity Improvements in Branford,” Cohen shared. “Given the high concentration of apartments and condominiums located here, these improvements will help a large portion of the community.”

The Community Connectivity Grant Program is an infrastructure improvement initiative that provides funding to increase safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

Cohen also shared the specific grant aims of the Town of Branford, which are the following:

– Install new monolithic concrete sidewalks from West Main Street to the driveway of 23 Jefferson Road on the west side of the road to create a connection from the newly installed concrete ramps done by Connecticut Department of Transportation.

– American Disability Act (ADA)-compliant ramps installed at the intersection of Jefferson Road and West Main Street, along with a crosswalk.

– Replace existing deteriorating bituminous sidewalk on Jefferson Road with ADA-compliant concrete sidewalk and concrete ramps.

– New ADA-compliant concrete sidewalk and ramps on Florence Road from Brainerd Road to Orchard Heights as a continuation of recent improvements.

– Install a 2-foot shelf in front of the sidewalk where feasible.