Preliminary Design Summary

The roadway system in and around Meriden’s City Center is undesirable for several reasons. Deficiencies include incomplete regional access from Interstate 691, intimidating rather than inviting gateways, limited and awkward east-west connections, one way traffic flows, and travel patterns that are confusing to motorists unfamiliar with the area. 

This section presents preliminary design level plans for improvements that will create a safe, attractive and understandable roadway system. The design incorporates ample vehicular capacity to accommodate growth and economic development, and provides convenient access to and from the interstate highway system.

The design also considers the phasing of the proposed transportation network improvements, and presents these in four color-coded plans:

The “Yellow Phase” addresses the one-way circle at the intersection of East and West Main Streets. Traffic Circulation in this area is inefficient and confusing due to the combination of rail lines, one-way streets, and the confluence of seven roadways at one intersection. To correct this situation, the intersection of State Street and East Main Street is eliminated, with State Street terminating at Brooks Street. In addition, South Colony Street is combined with Crown Street to create a single southern leg intersecting East Main opposite Pratt Street. Two-way traffic is accommodated on the full length of Hanover Street, as well as on East Main Street between Colony and Pratt.

The “Orange Phase” and the “Purple Phase” propose to improve the access to the City Center from Interstate 691 so that the existing and future development can take full advantage of regional economic resources. It is recommended that two phases be implemented together in order for them to be most effective, however they are presented here as separate projects to allow for flexibility if funding is limited. 

The proposed improvements include constructing a new boulevard connection between the end of Columbia Street (the “Downtown Meriden” exit from the west) and a realigned Camp Street. The new connection will create a new four-way intersection at Colony Street, and eliminate the zigzag movement between Columbia and Camp Streets. It also provides an improved link between the City Center and the Westfield Shoppingtown Meriden Area, a safer Camp Street railroad overpass, and an inviting new gateway directly to the City Center.

The “Green Phase” proposes relocation of lower State Street to a new intersection with Pratt Street, opposite Catlin Street. This new boulevard, with planted raised center medians and on-street parking will provide an attractive and welcoming path into the City Center. The Green Phase is only phase that cannot stand alone; it can only be implemented after the Yellow and Orange Phases are constructed.