Site work and paving for a road / highway in Norwich, Connecticut. Design plans call for paving for a road / highway.

Route 82 in Norwich. Safety improvement project to reduce the number and severity of crashes. As of April 21, 2025, this project is in the design phase and design is being done by owner in-house staff. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2025. The proposed operation and safety improvements entail the construction of a raised median to restrict left-turns between the major intersections and the replacement of 7 traffic signals with 6 roundabouts. The roundabouts will easily facilitate “U-Turns” (See Figure 1, page 5) for access in and out of the many driveways along the corridor. Driveway access will be right-in/right-out only, eliminating many of the lane crossing maneuvers that happen today, in addition to vehicles being stopped in the left-/through-lane waiting to turn left. This change in operation will improve safety and provide for a more efficient flow of traffic. Raised median construction has been found to reduce turning crashes by 78% and total injury crashes by 95%, while intersections converted to modern roundabouts have shown to reduce total crashes by 48% and severe crashes by 78%. The projects will also include enhanced pedestrian accommodations, 5-foot shoulders for improved bicycle access, and streetscape amenities. Phase 1 of these improvements also includes a “road diet”, where the current 4-lane section will be reduced to 2 lanes, further improving safety. Phase 1 of these improvements also includes a “road diet”, where the current 4-lane section will be reduced to 2 lanes, further improving safety.