In an effort to make New Haven safer for pedestrians, the city is planning a major makeover for the intersection of Whitney Avenue and Audubon Street, a busy corner in the heart of an area known locally as the Audubon Arts District.
There are several restaurants nearby and a steady flow of street traffic, which means pedestrians are often challenged with trying to navigate the busy corner.
Mayor John DeStefano said the changes are in keeping with the city’s “Complete Streets” initiative, which was adopted several years ago and meant to ensure that motorists, bikers and pedestrians can safely share the road.
Those who live nearby said Whitney and Audubon has always been a dangerous intersection with difficult visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.
The newly designed intersection will extend the sidewalk on one side to make room for outdoor dining tables and the road will be elevated through the intersection to create a speed table meant to slow traffic passing through.
The plan received rave reviews at an afternoon news conference on Monday.
Raymond Sbrega, who owns a business nearby, said most people he’s talked to are anxiously anticipating the change.
“When I saw the plans about a month ago, I was just so excited”, he said.
The mayor said the cost of the project is $320,000, half of which will be picked up by Yale, and half by the city.
DeStefano expects renovations to begin by October and to be completed in time for holiday shopping.
