WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — The Town of West Hartford announced the adoption of a revamped Town Infrastructure Plan on Tuesday following months of extensive community engagement and outreach.
According to a release from the town, the final plan reflects input from local stakeholders while balancing the town’s goals of increased pedestrian and cyclist safety and maintaining the charm and character that defines the center of West Hartford.
The Town Center Infrastructure Plan features major investments in public spaces and mobility hubs. It is expected to allow for more dynamic, flexible spaces that will foster a welcoming and lively atmosphere.
The town said that improved connectivity between the center and the rest of West Hartford will enable residents to explore local shops and restaurants in an easier fashion. This should boost the area’s economic vitality.
The extensive improvement project can be broken down into four key elements, according to the town.
First, there will be enhanced pedestrian and cyclist safety. The town seeks to ensure safer, more accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists by fixing critical infrastructure issues, which include aging street trees and damaged sidewalks. The project will also update faded and worn crosswalks to improve walkability.
The second key element involves taking measures to increase bike access. By implementing new, direct connections to the town center using strategically placed mobility hubs, which are areas where people can efficiently connect to different forms of transportation, residents will be able to gather more easily in the center of town.
The town plans to make improvements to the Trout Brook Trail to encourage sustainable transportation options to and from the center. There will also be bike shelters, micro-mobility parking and charging and bike, e-bike and e-scooter share/rentals.
The third key involves preserving the neighborhood charm that makes the center of town so special. West Hartford said it will enhance streetscapes by planting new and more trees, create wider landscaped areas, install traffic calming measures such as raised crosswalks and emphasize preservation elements such as wider sidewalks. It will also expand outdoor dining, while maintaining traditional pull-in parking.
Lastly, the town said it will create flexible public spaces for community events by installing a new bollard system to permit the temporary closure of LaSalle Road for special events including artist performances, street fairs and holidays. West Hartford will also create new opportunities for community engagement while supporting local businesses and contributing to the town’s culture.
In the release, Mayor Shari Cantor thanked the diverse group of stakeholders who helped with the planning process, including pedestrian and cycling advocates, representatives from the mobility-challenged community and local businesses.
“This collaborative, community-driven plan sets the stage for West Hartford’s long-term success. We are committed to creating a safer, more accessible and interconnected community, all while preserving the unique charm that makes our town a wonderful place to live and work at,” Cantor said.
Town Manager Rick Ledwith said the plan reflects the town’s commitment to both preserving what makes West Hartford unique and embracing new ideas for the future.
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“It’s a balanced, thoughtful approach that takes into consideration the feedback we received from a broad range of voices in our community,” Ledwith said. “We are excited about the ways this plan will improve safety and enhance all that our town has to offer for residents and visitors while promoting economic growth.”
West Hartford said that with the integration of ARPA funds, the Town Center Infrastructure Plan marks a crucial investment in the future of the town, as it will improve the area’s safety, accessibility and economic growth for years to come.
Construction is expected to begin on LaSalle Road in early 2025, according to the town, which says that construction will begin on Farmington Avenue in early 2026. Work will be completed in multiple phases, allowing the town center to always remain accessible for residents and visitors.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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