Shannon Taylor lives on Bridge Street. She attended Thursday night’s Town Hall meeting, about the Cribari Bridge.
Concerned that the new Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee may be missing perspectives from younger families and residents directly affected by the traffic, she sent this email to the Board of Selectpersons:
Following last night’s Connecticut Department of Transportation meeting, I want to reach out with concerns about the recently formed Cribari Bridge committee, particularly its timing and composition.
I was surprised that the committee was established so late in this process, and that it does not appear to include younger residents, women (apart from Melissa Levy in her role representing the RTM, as a non-voting ex officio member), or residents who live directly along Bridge Street and Greens Farms Road.
Cribari Bridge (Photo/Dan Woog)
Many of the members also seem to be familiar voices from earlier discussions. While I deeply appreciate their years of involvement and advocacy, I believe we’re missing an opportunity to bring new perspectives to the table — particularly from families whose children wait at these bus stops, and residents who navigate the bridge daily during rush hour, whether commuting to the train, school or activities.
I grew up in the Twin Cities, and vividly remember the I-35 bridge collapse. I fully appreciate the importance of structural safety, and I recognize that CTDOT is working hard to deliver a safe bridge. That must remain the absolute priority, and I believe the CTDOT team is right to prioritize it.
At the same time, the traffic and safety concerns affecting Bridge Street, Greens Farms Road and the surrounding neighborhoods deserve attention alongside the bridge rehabilitation.
These are separate but closely related issues. Broadening the committee’s representation could help us move beyond repeated debates over bridge height, and toward practical solutions for the traffic problems residents are experiencing today.
Bridge Street traffic, near Imperial Avenue. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Would you consider adding residents like myself, or others who spoke last night, to the committee, particularly younger families and those living directly along the affected roads?
I believe a broader group could help the town take a more comprehensive approach to traffic safety, including gathering meaningful data on I-95 cut-through traffic, pursuing and implementing enforceable restrictions, and engaging with navigation companies about routing through residential neighborhoods.
I would appreciate a response regarding how the committee members were selected, whether additional residents can be appointed, and how the town intends to address these broader traffic concerns alongside the bridge project. Even an acknowledgment of receipt would be appreciated.
I genuinely want to be part of a constructive solution, and I hope you’ll consider including residents who are ready and willing to help move this work forward.
Thank you for your time
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