CTDOT celebrates grant to re-envision Berlin Turnpike

NEWINGTON, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - The Connecticut Department of Transportation is celebrating $2 million in federal funding to study, re-envision, and plan for a multi-modal future for one of its busiest central corridors along Route 5, also known as the Berlin Turnpike.

The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant —which was awarded to The Capitol Regional Council of Governments (CRCOG) in collaboration with CTDOT, CT transit , and the towns of Berlin, Newington, and Wethersfield—will lay the foundation to improve safety for all roadway users, including pedestrians, customers of public transportation, and bicyclists.

"The 11-mile Berlin Turnpike is a critical corridor connecting New Haven and Hartford Counties ripe with commerce and economic development opportunities," says Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, adding that "...this grant award will help lay the foundation to create a future Route 5 with safety at the forefront. It will allow for the study and design of pedestrian and bicycle friendly infrastructure, such as sidewalks and trails, and look to develop a public transportation hub and land development opportunities in Newington, Wethersfield, and Berlin."