DOT Presents Plan for Goshen Center Roundabout

On July 30^th representatives of the Connecticut Department of Transportation presented their preliminary plans for a redesigned roundabout in Goshen Center.

Project designer Joseph Paduano told attendees that “the project encompasses roughly 1000 feet of Route 63 and 1000 feet of Route 4”. Improvements to the current rotary are to include a larger, landscaped, more visible center island, raised splitter islands on all four approaches “to warn drivers of the upcoming intersection while also creating a slowdown effect by narrowing the roadway”, and pedestrian safety improvements including sidewalks, crosswalks and flashing alert signals on the Torrington Road crosswalk to warn drivers of pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Modern roundabouts are designed to reduce traffic speeds to 15-20 mph, improving overall safety. The wider radius of the new, larger, center island will also tend to reduce speeds, as a less “straight-through” path of travel will require drivers to slow down to navigate the turn. A truck apron will allow larger vehicles to turn in any direction without mounting curbs or endangering pedestrians on the raised sidewalks.

During construction, it is planned to avoid the need for detours. According to Project Engineer Andrew Esposito, the “worst case scenario” is to limit traffic disruption to alternating one-lane traffic, which he believes is feasible due to relatively low traffic volumes.

The project design is now only 30% complete. Design completion is scheduled for February 2027 and a September 2027 construction start is targeted. Still under consideration is extension of the sidewalks on the east side of North Main Street (Rt. 63 North) all the way to Town Hall, the Library, and Center School.

With an estimated cost of $5.3 million, 80% of the funding will be covered by a federal grant and the balance will be paid for by the State. No Town funds will be used.