Gov. Dannel Malloy in a recent press conference said widening Interstate 84 in both directions through Danbury is critical for economic growth in western Connecticut and emphasized improving transportation will be a top priority during his second term.
Malloy is expected to lay out details of his vision for this project when he delivers his budget address to the General Assembly in February.
- Traffic moves on Interstate 84 near exit 1 in Danbury recently. Gov. Dannel Malloy is supporting a plan to add a third lane to the interstate on a 5-mile stretch between exits
3 and 8 in Danbury. Photo by Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
Nearly 50 percent of Danbury”™s customers come from New York state, said Stephen Bull, president of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce. Widening the highway is a step forward in addressing a growing concern that congested roads dissuade would-be shoppers from crossing the border, he said.
The state Department of Transportation is studying how best to fund an expansion project on the 5-mile stretch of highway between exits 3 and 8 in Danbury, which city officials projected could be in the billions.
A major consideration is installing tolls to help fund the expansion. However, Danbury officials are opposed, saying tolls could cost the state more money in the end.
“The numbers I keep hearing are in the billions,” said Bull. “There”™s no way tolls can come close to collecting that much. The administration and maintenance of the toll even if you have electronic ones, you need a whole bureaucracy and people who will bill those who run through it without paying.” The route is one of the main arteries to states east and north.
“We”™re a gateway to New England from all points west,” said Bruce Tuomala, Danbury”™s director of economic development. “If you”™re going to Boston, you”™d have to go through Danbury. Same with if you want to go to Pennsylvania or New Jersey, you”™ll be routed to take I-84.”
Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton said the city plans to facilitate conversations with the community, especially anticipating the construction could cause increases in traffic jams and complaints.
“There”™s going to be an impact there, but we have to see this as short-term pain for long-term gain,” Boughton said.
Boughton expressed optimism the project could be completed in five years.
