Does the Post Road Need a Makeover?

It's the road we love to hate—Darien's Main Street and our main traffic headache.

But there may be some big changes coming for Route 1, known locally as Boston Post Road. And Darien residents are being asked for their input.

On Thursday a second Community Open House on Route 1 was held jointly by the Southwest Regional Planning Agency (SWRPA) and Darien's Planning & Zoning Department.

Even though it was gorgeous outdoors, more than 60 residents, merchants and elected officials trekked to the Darien Library to express their ideas about the Post Road.

Post Road Gripes Aired

On a 20-foot-long aerial map of the Post Road, residents plastered sticky notes with their comments about traffic hotspots, pedestrian problems and ways to improve the flow of people.  Others voted on their top concerns, including parking, multi-modal transit, and flooding under the Metro-North bridge.

And everyone was invited to complete a "visual character" survey, grading images of possible architectural designs for new buildings, parking and signage.

The two-year Route 1 study, funded by the town and the Connecticut Department of Transportation, is currently in phase one, identifying problems and opportunities. The cost of the study is $375,000.

"This is why we really need public input," says Sue Prosi, a transportation planner at SWRPA.

Make Your Voice Heard

There will be three more community meetings on Darien's Post Road.

"If people can't attend a Community Open House, we hope they'll visit our website to learn more about the study and share their views. 

Every citizen comment will be taken into consideration by the consultants," Prosi promised.

After analyzing the current conditions, the study team will present suggestions for Route 1 improvements starting in the fall, again seeking community input.  Final recommendations will be presented in the spring of 2011.

For information, visit www.darienroute1study.org or contact Sue Prosi at SWRPA, 203-316-5190.