Town of Greenwich Department of Public Works received the Achievement in Civil Engineering (ACE) Award from the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE) for the Greenwich Avenue and Elm Street Intersection Improvement Project. The award recognizes exemplary projects that showcase engineering expertise and innovation.
Completed in June 2021, the Greenwich Avenue and Elm Street Intersection Improvement Project was created to improve safety and accessibility in an intersection heavily trafficked by both vehicles and pedestrians, and revitalize an iconic shopping and dining destination in the heart of central Greenwich. Jason Kaufman, P.E., Senior Civil Engineer and Project Manager implemented Complete Streets design to improve the safety of the intersection, and to make the street more convenient and comfortable everyone – including pedestrians, people with disabilities, bicyclists, motorists, dog walkers, and baby carriage users.
Complete Streets elements used in this project which improve safety and accessibility include:
• Curb extensions – decreases pedestrian crossing distance and time across Greenwich Avenue by 40 percent.
• Raised intersection – improves visibility between pedestrians and motorists, while slowing the speed of vehicles as they proceed through the intersection.
• Two ADA compliant accessible parking spaces – provides access to the sidewalk from the parking space, never requiring a person with a disability to go into the roadway.
• Level pathway – the newly raised intersection makes it easier for those who have disabilities to travel. Ramps are no longer needed to access the sidewalk.
• Relocated lights – closer to crosswalks to better illuminate pedestrians.
The Greenwich Avenue and Elm Street Improvement Project also aesthetically revitalized the area by adding new green areas with planting beds and decorative crosswalks. Additional project features include replaced sidewalks, relocated lighting and drainage, lining of the drainage and sanitary sewer lines to further extend their lifespan, reduction in impervious areas, and new bike racks and benches.
“We are very proud that the Greenwich Avenue and Elm Street Intersection Improvement Project not only benefits our community but is also recognized as leading example in the industry. Our department will continue to strive to design and build infrastructure that increases safety and is more accessible for all.” – Jim Michel, P.E., Deputy Commissioner of Town of Greenwich Department of Public Works.
