VHB partnered with the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SECOG) and the City of Norwich to rethink connectivity in the City’s downtown area with the Chelsea Harbor/Downtown Norwich Mobility Study. To break down existing barriers between Downtown Norwich and the City’s waterfront area, our team proposed reconfigurations of multi-lane, high-speed thoroughfares, as well as new bicycle facilities and sidewalk network improvements. The recommended enhancements will create a more welcoming, efficient, and people-focused urban environment.
Given the significant changes proposed for the City, our team conducted extensive public engagement efforts, which included establishing a dedicated website for updates and feedback and meeting with residents, city staff, and officials. To engage the community, VHB also participated in a tactical urbanism demonstration to encourage active participation and collaboration among community members, local governments, and organizations. The demonstration included a test design for a new crosswalk where community members painted pages of books down the sidewalk leading towards the Norwich Public Library and newly installed parklet.
