Couldn't agree more. The project was touted as an improvement to pedestrian safety and the DOT cited an island of refuge (across from Puritan Furniture) and reducing the width of the Quaker La intersection as proof. However they widened the street over the length of the project increasing the total exposure to anyone trying to cross the street even at the designated cross walks. The street has more in common with the Silas Deane Hwy than the main road thru a small community, effectively destroying the community center. It will be to Elmwood what the Silas Deane did to the town of Rocky Hill. One could speculate that the redesign was based on a plan to provide an alternative route (to as many vehicles possible) to I-84 traffic during the upcoming renovation in Hartford. Note: I also believe the project is listed for expenditure / accounting purposes as an improvement project for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety, although most of the money was spent just to move the same sidewalk back from the old curb line.

I don't believe that anyone is safe down in Elmwood Center, whether it would be pedestrian or motorist. I have taken to going around this total disaster as are many residents and that will be hurting the business in Elmwood. Then, to add to all of this is the extensive traffic that is going through to get to the Stop & Shop on Newington Rd, or using the side streets so now we can barely get out of our driveways and streets. I will say this much, you would never see this mess up in West Hartford Center around Blue Back nor any other business street. It's a shame that they took so long and the inconvenience has been awful. I'm afraid that we'll have some serious accidents on NBA...The sidewalks are awful...shoddy work..

You are preaching to the choir. You may not have any idea of what is to come..... Amtrak Station and 200 car parking planned for the Cashway Lumber site in Newington. West Hill Automotive and four lots on the south side of Newington Road destined for apartments / condos as is the Merrow Machine property and the old steel fabrication facility site on Day St in Newington. Hundreds of new rental / condo residences. All part of a statewide push for "Transit Oriented Development" and to make the busway a viable entity.

I know, I think we are both the choir..I do know what is coming with that Amtrak station coming to this area...we have not seen anything yet~! I shudder at the thought. This area of town is getting hammered. I can't even bear the thought of the proposed new apartment building being put in on Newington Rd. A nightmare ~~! Too much for one area to handle...

This is the resultant available walkway during winter after the redesign of New Britain Avenue in Elmwood. The numerous obstructions within the bike / pedestrian walkway discourage complete clearing of snow since the perception and reality of usable space supports only a woven path for bicyclists afraid to use the roadway, those who must rely on motorized and manual wheelchairs, and the ambulatory. Net loss for the vulnerable users at the expense of increased motorists throughput.