Major construction in Branford will widen Route 1 and replace an old train track and also threatens to clog up a main artery in town, virtually dividing residents and nearby stores.
“The construction will be an inconvenience, it’s going to affect business because people will choose to avoid the area,” says Carol Cornachini who owns Shoetique on Route 1.
Construction is set to start next week. The plan will widen the road from Main Street to Short Beach Road and replace the Amtrack overpass. Something 38-year Branford resident Mildred Corraro says the town needs. “There’s no space over there the
Pretzel is all jammed up”, said Corraro.
Governor Jodi Rell says the project will create jobs and improve traffic overall but some worry the price they're paying is too high. "Route 1 is a main artery in town and construction could divide local shops and their customers if its not done correctly", says Cornachini, “I’d like to see the work done at night after business hours were open until 8 every night so if they set up to work from 9PM until 7AM, that would be great for us.”
Branford’s Fire Chief Jack Ahern says the road will remain open and detours will be limited during construction. The project will cost $70.5 million and is being funded by federal stimulus money.
