First Selectman Mike Tetreau announced today that the Connecticut Department of Transportation

(DOT) is holding a public informational meeting on the Merritt Parkway Multi-Use Trail Feasibility

Study on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at 7 pm in the Team Room at Roger Ludlowe Middle School,

689 Unquowa Road. Signs will be posted in the lobby for the public directing them to the Team

Room. There is ample parking.

All members of the public are invited to learn about the current status of the study, which includes a

presentation of a conceptual design, and to help the DOT gather local input and concerns regarding

a multi-use trail through the Merritt Parkway right-of-way in Fairfield.

In April, 2012, DOT held a workshop in Fairfield to provide a general overview of the study which

was developed to examine the feasibility of a multi-use trail along the 37.5 mile Merritt Parkway.

DOT interacted with the audience to assess the trail concept and collect input regarding local areas

of concern as well as suggestions for improvements. According to DOT, the 2012 workshops were

held to “provide the most compatible route for a path through the corridor based on environmental

considerations and community input.”

Following information gathered from workshops held in 2012 with many of the towns located along

the Merritt Parkway, the DOT developed a conceptual design for the multi-use trail which will be

presented at the February 25, 2014 meeting. According to the DOT, the conceptual design will

outline treatment strategies for screening private properties, wetland crossings, side road crossings,

and elements such as fencing and signage.

The goal of this informational meeting is for the DOT to identify areas which may require further

consideration and finalize information to be included in the environmental assessment.

First Selectman Tetreau said, “I encourage members of our community to attend this meeting to

learn about the study and conceptual design and to provide comments and ask questions.”

The DOT is holding similar meetings in towns along the Merritt Parkway starting this month. For

more information about the Multi-Use Trail Study, go to http://www.ct.gov/dot/MerrittTrailStudy.

Any resident who is unable to attend the meeting may send written questions or comments to:

Mr. Timothy M. Wilson, P.E., Manager of Highway Design

Connecticut Department of Transportation

P.O. Box 317546

Newington, CT 06131-7546

or email Timothy.Wilson@ct.gov

In the event of inclement weather, the February 25, 2014 meeting in Fairfield will be held on

Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at 7 pm in the All Purpose Room at Osborn Hill Elementary School,

760 Stillson Road.