Julie Kushner

Danbury Delegation Announces State Bonding Expected to Be Approved for Widening of Interstate 84 Through Danbury

DANBURY – Members of the Danbury legislative delegation, including State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury), State Representative David Arconti (D-Danbury), State Representative Bob Godfrey (D-Danbury), State Representative Raghib Allie-Brennan (D-Danbury) and State Representative Kenneth Gucker (D-Danbury) today announced that the State Bond Commission is expected to release important funding supporting a vital local transportation expansion project when it meets on Friday, July 23, 2021 via a teleconference to be broadcast on the Connecticut Television Network.

The State Bond Commission is expected to approve $10 million for the design and engineering to widen Interstate 84 between exits 3 and 8, which essentially covers the region from the New York State border, past Western Connecticut State University, Danbury Municipal Airport, downtown Danbury and Danbury Hospital to approximately Route 6.

“This I-84 widening project represents advances and improvements in vital transportation infrastructure. Danburians depend on I-84 to access business, appointments and social and meetings. However, daily travel is impossible from four to six — fifteen-minute drives are transformed into 45-minute traffic jams. This is unacceptable for locals and travel to Hartford and beyond. Fixing this bottle neck is long overdue.” said Sen. Kushner. “Widening the highway has shown vital improvements in removing traffic snarls in Waterbury, among other Connecticut roadways, and the State of Connecticut is dedicated to assisting and improving Danbury roadways. This is a wise investment with real-world advantages and I thank the governor and the State Bond Commission for recognizing the value of transportation improvements to the people of western Connecticut.”

“Investments in Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure are long overdue and essential for commerce as well as for commuters and anyone traveling our roads,” said Rep. Arconti. “I am grateful to the Bond Commission and the governor, for prioritizing this project and look forward to seeing it implemented.”

“Heavy traffic has become an unfortunate reality for those traveling in Danbury,” said Rep. Gucker. “Widening the highway will benefit local commuters, as well as those who visit our community. I’d like to thank the Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for their support of this infrastructure project.”

“This is the very early Concept Study Phase of this project. Performance needs have been studied, the data is in, and now DOT will chart the future for remedies,” noted Rep. Godfrey. “Many elements will be considered: traffic operations, rights-of-way, impacts to neighborhoods and local streets, environmental concerns, and constructability. There is no preference right now. I hope to see the Concept Study Phase by the end of 2022.”

“The Danbury delegation understands how essential I-84 in the Danbury area is to the region’s prosperity and quality of life,” said Rep. Allie-Brennan. “I’m thankful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support. I will continue to work with my legislative colleagues to ensure Danbury receives proper attention in Hartford.”