[ This article appeared in the Windsor Journal on August 23, 2024 ]


Our town is at a crossroads. With the upcoming Founders Square and other mixed-use developments, we have an opportunity to support this new growth and address long-standing safety concerns and make Windsor Center more vibrant and welcoming. The Center improvement plan—which includes options for reducing lanes on Broad Street, the installation of roundabouts at two key intersections, and dedicated bike lanes—is the right step forward for everyone; residents, businesses, and visitors alike.  

Broad Street is not safe in its current form. With four lanes of traffic, it's a hazard for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. The wide expanse of asphalt discourages foot traffic, which in turn hampers the ability of local businesses to thrive. The lack of bike lanes forces cyclists to share the road with cars, creating a dangerous mix. The result is frequent vehicle accidents and serious injuries, with little economic benefit to Windsor Center to show for the thousands of daily vehicle trips through Broad Street, most of which do not stop in town. The current configuration does not serve our community's needs.  

Reducing Broad Street from four lanes to two, with a center turning lane, will streamline traffic and make the Center a safer and more inviting place for pedestrians. This configuration has been proven to reduce speeding and accidents while maintaining traffic flow. The extra space gained from reducing lanes will be repurposed for dedicated on-street parking, bike lanes, improved greenery, and expanded sidewalk bump outs for pedestrians, enhancing the overall environment of the town center.  

Adding bike lanes to Broad Street will make the Center safer and more accessible for everyone. A dedicated space for cyclists will reduce the likelihood of accidents and make biking a viable option for more residents. Research shows that bike lanes not only improve safety but can also boost local economies. Numerous studies have shown improved economic activity and property values near dedicated bike infrastructure, while also improving safety for cyclists of all ages and motorists who no longer have to share lanes with cyclists.  

The proposed roundabouts where Poquonock Avenue intersects Bloomfield Avenue and Broad Street will improve traffic flow, safety, and walkability. Roundabouts can move many more vehicles than traditional lighted signals, meaning they are better able to handle unexpected spikes in traffic flow caused by backups from Interstate 91. Roundabouts also significantly reduce the likelihood of severe accidents, injuries, and deaths. Roundabouts keep traffic moving smoothly, reducing congestion and the frustration that comes with it. For pedestrians and cyclists, roundabouts provide shorter, safer, more predictable crossing points. Put simply, roundabouts save lives and are better at moving cars.

When combined, these design improvements will not only make our town safer, but also more economically vibrant. This project, in conjunction with the mixed-use developments in progress, offers Windsor the opportunity to leverage the Center's proximity to rail, air, and Interstate transportation, while providing a pleasant place where people want to spend their time and disposable income. Improved infrastructure will attract more visitors, increase foot traffic, and make our town a more desirable place to live, work, eat, and shop.  

The Center improvement plan is more than just a set of infrastructure upgrades—it's a vision for a safer, more connected, and thriving community. The business community understands the value of these improvements. Center residents understand the value of these improvements. Civil engineers understand the value of these improvements. It's time for all of us to come together to support this plan. By making these changes, we can ensure that Windsor Center remains a place where people want to live, work, and visit for generations to come. The benefits are clear: let’s embrace this opportunity to enhance our town’s safety and economic future.