The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT), Valley Council of Governments (VCOG) and Council of Governments of Central Naugatuck Valley (COGCNV) have recognized the need to evaluate Route 8, between Interchanges 22 and 30 in Seymour, Beacon Falls, Naugatuck, and Waterbury. This Study will identify the transportation deficiencies and define near and long term transportation improvements.

Issues/Objectives

Key underlying issues and objectives of the Route 8 Corridor Deficiencies/Needs Study include the following:

• Preserve the capacity of Route 8. The improvement alternatives identified for the Route 8 interchanges must preserve the capacity of the mainline. This requires careful consideration of changes to ramp merge and diverge locations and weave conditions within the corridor.
• Address each interchange’s unique operating conditions and placement in the overall system. The study will need to examine opportunities to improve safety conditions within the interchanges and to eliminate and/or consolidate traffic movements through them while maintaining access to the local communities and major attractions.
• Enhance arterial street system operations. The tight geometry of the interchanges and close proximity of adjacent intersections constrain operations and potentially affect safety along both the arterial street system and the Interstate. This study will look creatively at options to enhance arterial street system operations. This might include modifications in circulation or traffic control at the upstream and downstream signalized intersections, or may include elimination of some ramp movements.
• Provide for future growth. The Route 8 system is tremendously important to provide access to existing and developing land uses. Future improvements need to keep open the options for development and accommodate growth in traffic flows, both regionally and locally.