The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced on Apr. 15 that it is developing plans to improve Rapallo Avenue, deKoven Drive, and Washington Street in Middletown. The project aims to enhance safety and reduce congestion, particularly near the intersection of deKoven Drive and Rapallo Avenue.
The planned changes are important for addressing traffic delays caused by the current lane configuration on Rapallo Avenue, which leads to excessive congestion at its intersection with Main Street. Additionally, substandard road geometry has created safety concerns for drivers and pedestrians.
Project details include converting Rapallo Avenue from a bi-directional roadway to a one-way street with a designated right turn lane and a through/left lane at Main Street. This change is expected to require only minor widening while maintaining all existing on-street parking spaces. The new configuration will also improve pedestrian crossings along Main Street and prevent illegal left turns onto Rapallo Avenue from southbound Main Street traffic. Shoulders on deKoven Drive will be widened for bicyclists, and the horizontal curve between deKoven Drive and Rapallo Avenue will be improved.
Design completion is scheduled for November 2026, with construction anticipated to begin in spring 2027 if the project receives approval, funding becomes available, and required permits are obtained. Funding will come from both federal (80%) and state (20%) sources.
According to the official website, the Connecticut Department of Transportation promotes safety through initiatives such as work zone awareness campaigns while supporting community infrastructure via grants. The department maintains its headquarters in Newington but manages transportation across Connecticut statewide according to its official website. Garrett Eucalitto serves as commissioner of CTDOT overseeing these policies according to the agency.
Community input is encouraged throughout this process. Residents with questions or comments can contact Scott Bushee, Principal Engineer at CTDOT by phone or email using reference State Project No. PP082-0022.
