By Matt Clyburn
The New Britain to Hartford busway is now one step closer to reality after a state commission approved funds to begin work on stations for the proposed transit system last month.
The first station will be located less than two miles from the CCSU campus and is expected to ease traffic congestion west of the capital city.
The project has been under consideration since 2003 and has experienced fluctuating public support through three governors and the better part of a decade. Democratic leaders have been largely supportive of the plan as a sustainable approach to public transportation has been sought.
“The New Britain-Hartford busway is ready to go,” said New Britain Democract and State Rep. Timothy O’Brien in a Feb. 24 press release. “The time to act is now and I’m encouraged by the administrations readiness to meet our greener economic goals and create new construction jobs.”
Some Republican lawmakers have criticized the plan, saying that a busway would rule out the possibility for light rail along the planned route and that the total cost would be too expensive.
The bond approval is a small portion of the current development estimate of more than $567 million, additional funding will come from a combination of bonds and federal and state grants.
The Department of Transportation website says that buses will bypass traffic that normally clogs up I-84 Eastbound between the Hardware and capital cities. The busway is also expected to help connect surrounding communities to the urban centers through the use of intermediary stations in Newington and West Hartford.
Existing routes in Farmington, Bristol, Waterbury, Cheshire and Wethersfield are expected to change so that can circulate through those towns and then access the busway for a “one-seat ride” to Hartford.
According to a report by the DOT, busway services will maintain operating hours similar to CT Transit’s current schedule, mainly between 4:30 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. Buses along the route are expected to depart every six minutes during peak service periods such as rush hour times and during major Hartford events.
Funding for upgrades to Route 72 between New Britain and Bristol was also approved by the state Bond Commission, aimed at improving road conditions leading to the first bus station along the route. According to the press release, construction is planned to begin in July and will predominantly affect traffic patterns during overnight hours.
“This span of highway is an important commuting link for not only New Britain, but between 74,000 to 104,000 vehicles daily. I’m pleased the state is committed to maintaining our critical transportation routes,” said Rep. O’Brien.
The busway project will continue taking shape over the next several years as construction contracts go out to bid and plans become finalized.
