By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
The city is receiving $9 million from the state Department of Transportation to pay for new traffic signals at nine busy intersections, Mayor Dorinda Borer announced.
Since early 2025, Borer has been collaborating with the city’s Police Department and the DOT on several transportation safety upgrades that the mayor called “a critical step in a long-term modernization plan.”
“After a year of working on the local level regarding the planning and design, we are thrilled to have received a commitment to fund letter from the DOT through the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program, indicating that our request for funding to cover this project has been granted,” Borer said.
“Every day, families, workers, students and visitors rely on West Haven’s roadways to get where they need to go safely,” said police Lt. Joseph D’Amato, the patrol division’s shift commander, who has worked on the project since its conception. “This new investment in our traffic infrastructure reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to protecting lives, strengthening our community, and ensuring that everyone who travels through West Haven can do so with greater confidence and security.”
According to D’Amato, the city owns and maintains 29 traffic control signals at various intersections and is responsible for their operation and functionality. Most of the signals were last upgraded in the mid-1990s, and many are now beyond their intended service life, he said.
With the state funding now secured, D’Amato said the city will make comprehensive upgrades at nine high-traffic intersections during the initial phase of a multiyear project. The traffic signals were selected because they are the oldest and highest potential for risk, he said.
According to D’Amato, upgrades will include modern signal controllers, improved pedestrian crossing systems and advanced vehicle detection, as well as enhanced communication technology that enables real-time monitoring and coordination.
The intersections slated for Phase 1 are: Frontage Road at Morgan Lane, Frontage Road at Allings Crossing Road, Meloy Road at West Spring Street, Elm Street at Savin Avenue, Elm Street at Washington Avenue, Elm Street at Second Avenue, Captain Thomas Boulevard at Kelsey Avenue, Captain Thomas Boulevard at Savin Avenue, and Captain Thomas Boulevard at Campbell Avenue.
Collectively, the improvements are expected to significantly reduce collision potential, improve traffic flow, and increase safety for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and emergency responders, D’Amato said.
Borer said the city has more work to do with respect to modernizing its infrastructure, “but this is a giant step forward.”
The mayor said she has also reached out to the DOT to request an evaluation of the timing of the light-changing cycle at some traffic signals on state roads.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming construction timetables and any temporary traffic pattern changes. The city will provide advance notice and regular updates on its website and the West Haven City Hall and West Haven Police Department Facebook pages.