Survey for Route 44 Corridor Study ends soon

CANTON – Area residents have until Friday, Dec. 15 to fill out a survey for a Route 44 Corridor Study.

The Capital Region Council of Governments study is examining Route 44 from Old Canton Road to the Simsbury town line, as well as Dowd Avenue between Canton Hollow to Route 44.

Officially launched in June, the study is designed to critically examine and suggest improvements related to: infrastructure for vehicles, pedestrians and motorists; traffic signals; vehicle movement and flow and safety for pedestrians and cyclists - including a potential crossing of Route 44 for a planned offshoot of the Farmington River Trail. An action plan with recommendations will be developed as part of the study.

On Dec. 7, representatives from CROG, the state Department of Transportation, VHB and others hosted a meeting to update residents on existing conditions along the corridor as well as receive additional feedback from residents. The evening included a look at traffic counts, accident data, cueing (traffic backup) issues, overarching concerns, safety issues, and more as those involved with the study work toward a recommendations plan, likely to be in draft form by spring. Residents will have opportunities to make additional comments before a final plan is adopted.

The Valley Press will have more on that meeting in an upcoming edition, but through Dec. 15 residents can visit https://crcog.org/rt44/ to access a survey that includes questions on usage of Route 44; issues related to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists; safety concerns and potential ideas for improvements. In addition to 11 multiple choice questions, there is an area where residents can list additional concerns. (Note: The survey time was extended from the original date).

– John Fitts