Frequently Asked Questions

  • The I-95 Greenwich PEL Study will analyze mobility needs along the I-95 corridor from the New York State line to Exit 7. It will evaluate demographics, environmental resources, safety, traffic, and roadway and bridge conditions in the study area. The study will analyze how the corridor functions and how it fits into the surrounding communities. It will consider:

    • Mobility and safety on I-95 and U.S. Route 1

    • Multi-modal (transit, bicycle, and pedestrian) improvement needs throughout the study area

    • Environmental issues, such as noise and other potential impacts to natural, historic, and community resources

  • A PEL study is a federally recognized process for transportation agencies to make and document planning decisions while considering public and agency input. PEL studies allow agencies, such as the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), to better understand community needs and to develop alternative solutions that meet those needs. A PEL study is a collaborative approach to decision-making used to identify transportation issues and environmental concerns. This integrated approach considers environmental, community, and economic goals early in the planning process and uses this information to transition from the long-range planning process to transportation project development and environmental review. The information from a PEL study would be carried forward into the next project development phase, called the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, where a more detailed environmental analysis, and further public outreach, would occur.

  • No, the PEL study process is expected to identify and screen a broad range of improvement concepts, or possible solutions, that can be carried forward into the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) phase in more than one project, as a phased series of improvements.

  • The final product will be a comprehensive report that summarizes all the findings of the PEL study. The final report will describe the preliminary purpose and need for transportation investments in the corridor, outline a vision for the study area, and recommend solutions aimed to improve safety and mobility within the corridor for further evaluation during the federal environmental review phase (NEPA). The report will consider community needs, local conservation and development plans, and public and agency input.

  • At this time, we want to hear from you to better understand the transportation needs in this corridor and types of solutions you would like to see to address those needs. No concepts have been identified yet. A range of potential improvement concepts will be developed and presented for feedback at future public meetings.

  • The I-95 Greenwich PEL Study includes two phases:

    • Phase 1 will include an analysis of the current conditions within this corridor, initial community and stakeholder engagement, an analysis of transportation needs, and the development of a preliminary purpose and need for future investments in the corridor. Phase 1 is expected to take 12 to 18 months.

    • Phase 2 will include the development and analysis of potential improvements to address transportation needs, identification of improvement concepts that could move forward into the federal environmental review process, continued community and stakeholder engagement, and preparation of the PEL study final report. Phase 2 is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2026.

  • The I-95 Greenwich PEL Study will include meaningful collaboration between residents, businesses, advocacy and stakeholder organizations, municipal governments, transportation agencies, and elected officials in and around the study area.

    Sign up for email updates or submit a comment here. Check back regularly for information on upcoming study advisory meetings, public meetings, and study information booths at local events. Have questions? Contact us at info@i95Greenwich.com or 203-806-0804.

  • CTDOT will use the PEL study action plan to identify “early action” projects, independent projects that could be implemented quickly–perhaps even before the study is finalized–with limited costs and impacts. Additionally, CTDOT will determine logical project phases for larger investments that could be moved forward into the federal environmental review process (NEPA) based on current and future funding availability, potentially accelerating project delivery and minimizing overall costs. Projects forwarded into NEPA may include short-term (3-5 years), medium-term (5-10 years), and long-term (10-15 years) projects.

  • CTDOT recently implemented a Complete Streets policy that emphasizes a thorough approach to documenting decisions related to incorporating multimodal facilities in CTDOT projects. This includes carefully considering bicycle and pedestrian facilities and transit options where these users are legally permitted. In cases where policy criteria cannot be fully met, formal approval is required from senior leadership, similar to the approval process for other design decisions. This ensures all multimodal infrastructure improvements align with the broader transportation plans and goals for Greenwich. In addition, Town officials are members of the study’s Project Advisory Committee (PAC), and the Study Team collaborates closely with the Town’s Department of Public Works (DPW) and other municipal offices. As the PEL study progresses and improvements are identified, the Study Team will continue to coordinate with the Town of Greenwich to ensure that the study’s recommendations align with and complement the Town’s planned improvements and overall vision.

  • An initial analysis of all acceleration and deceleration lanes from Exit 2 to Exit 6 on I-95 indicates that many do not meet CTDOT’s minimum design standards. The Study Team will further examine what is required to bring these ramps up to current design standards.

  • At this point in the study, the Study Team is still gathering information. The Study Team will evaluate right-of-way impacts for reasonable alternatives during Phase 2 of the PEL study.

  • Yes, the Study Team will examine transit data in order to evaluate potential improvements for rail and bus service. Improvements to the bike and pedestrian infrastructure will also be considered and evaluated. These evaluations will be conducted in Phase 2 of the PEL study.

  • As the study progresses into Phase 2, the Study Team will explore the potential for breakout projects and phase other solutions into short-, mid-, and long-term priorities. CTDOT also has a relatively new Quick Build policy, which allows municipalities to apply for the installation of tactical urbanism elements on state roads. While CTDOT cannot directly implement these measures, municipalities are encouraged to test them out under this program.

  • The study area does not extend into Stamford along U.S. Route 1; however, it does extend to Exit 7 in Stamford on I-95. Additionally, there is a concurrent PEL study specifically focused on Stamford. To learn more about the I-95 Stamford PEL, visit www.i95Stamford.com.

  • The “no build” traffic volumes are developed using an average expected growth rate based on CTDOT’s statewide travel demand model and planned and approved developments in the area.

  • Cyclists and pedestrians were included in the traffic volume counts along with motor vehicles. As a result, the Study Team has data on current usage but does not have projections for future demand if bike lanes are added and usage increases.

  • The existing conditions noise analysis used the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) approved traffic noise model process for the evaluation. The analysis focused on the loudest hour of the day, taking into account hourly average atmospheric conditions and wind direction. Terrain is also an important factor and is incorporated into the 3-D model used for the study. Therefore, the factors mentioned are considered in the evaluation.

  • In 2022 CTDOT completed both a freight plan that analyzed truck usage and volumes along major interstates in Connecticut and a truck parking study. The Study Team will explore opportunities to assess needs and determine what is reasonable when considering all modes of transportation. However, at this time, the Study Team does not have a definitive answer regarding the feasibility of rerouting trucks to other interstates.