Greenwich Ave & Elm St Intersection Improvements

Greenwich Avenue and Elm Street Intersection Improvement Project Overview:

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. Recognized as an exemplary project that showcases engineering expertise and innovation, the Greenwich Avenue and Elm Street Intersection Improvement Project recently earned the Achievement in Civil Engineering (ACE) Award from the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE). 

Greenwich Avenue Streetscape Info Sheet:

Greenwich Avenue has long been studied for opportunities to improve safety, accessibility, and aesthetics. This project aims to redesign five intersections to improve safety and revitalize Greenich Avenue --  a beloved street that has such strong ties to the Town's identity. The Greenwich Avenue and Elm Street Intersection Improvement Project is the first intersection of five proposed intersection projects.

Click below to view the two-side info sheet on the proposed Greenwich Avenue Streetscape project.

The project was completed in June 2021 and is the first of several proposed intersection improvement projects on Greenwich Avenue. Last July (2021), Department of Public Works launched an interactive website titled greenwichstreetscape.com to receive valuable public feedback for the Greenwich Avenue Streetscape project. The community can view renderings of each proposed intersection and provide their opinions on the project, HERE.

Additional Information on the Greenwich Avenue and Elm Street Intersection Improvement Project: 

Safety Features:

• Curb extensions -- reduces the pedestrian crossing distance by at least 40 percent.
• Raised roadway -- improves visibility between pedestrians and motorists, while slowing the speed of vehicles as they proceed through the busy intersection. 
• Better illumination -- to give better illumination for pedestrians, lights were relocated closer to crosswalks.
• Better accessibility -- two designated accessible parking spaces provide dedicated access to the sidewalk from the parking space, never requiring a person to go into the roadway. The new raised intersection and crosswalks makes a level pathway, making it easier for those who have disabilities to travel. Ramps are no longer needed to access the sidewalk. A dedicated spot next to the new benches was added for wheelchair users.

Designed and engineered for safe, convenient, and comfortable street access for people of all ages and abilities, the project features:

• Curb extensions (a.k.a. bump-outs) to decrease crossing distance 
• Improved accessibility by creating two designated accessible parking spaces with a clear pathway to the sidewalk from the parking space, along with a level crosswalk 
• Raised intersection (including crosswalks) to improve pedestrian visibility and to slow speed of vehicles traveling through the intersection
• Decorative crosswalks
• Planting beds
• Relocated lighting
• Relocated drainage
• Lining of the drainage and sanitary sewer lines to further extend their lifespan
• Reduction in impervious areas
• Relocated amenities 
• Replaced sidewalks
• New bike racks and benches

Aerial view of the intersection before construction

Aerial view of the intersection after construction