Regional transportation plan for 2027-2030 heads to public hearing

The $1.5 billion plan includes highway, transit, and pedestrian/bicycle projects across southeastern Connecticut.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 8:00pm

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The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments is seeking public comments on a four-year regional transportation plan that outlines over $1.5 billion in highway projects and $50.7 million in transit projects expected to be funded federally, with state and local matching funds, from 2027 to 2030. The plan includes improvements to the Gold Star Memorial Bridge, Mohegan-Pequot Bridge, Route 32, Route 82, and various bicycle and pedestrian upgrades across the region.

Why it matters

This long-term transportation plan will shape infrastructure investments and mobility options in southeastern Connecticut over the next four years. The plan aims to balance transportation projects that impact air quality, addressing both safety and congestion issues across the region.

The details

The Transportation Improvement Program lists a variety of highway, transit, and active transportation projects slated for funding from 2027 to 2030. Highway projects include phases of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge northbound work and a southbound walkway/bike path, safety improvements on Route 32 and Route 82, and ramp upgrades at I-95 Exit 89. Transit initiatives feature an electric vehicle facility and new paratransit vehicles for the Southeast Area Transit District. Pedestrian and bicycle projects range from bike lane striping to path upgrades along Williams Street in New London and Depot Road in Groton.

  • The public comment period is open through April 16, 2026.
  • A public hearing on the draft plan will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

The players

Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments

The regional planning organization responsible for developing the four-year Transportation Improvement Program for southeastern Connecticut.

Kate Rattan

The director of transportation planning for the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments.

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What they’re saying

“It's really important that we go through this process every two years, because if we don't, then we don't have any funds to be able to apply to those projects.”

— Kate Rattan, Director of Transportation Planning

What’s next

The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments board is expected to vote on adopting the plan in May 2026. The plan can be amended later if there are changes to projects, and it will then go through the federal approval process.

The takeaway

This comprehensive regional transportation plan outlines over $1.5 billion in critical infrastructure investments across southeastern Connecticut, balancing highway, transit, and active transportation needs to improve mobility, safety, and environmental sustainability over the next four years.