City officials gathered Monday morning to officially open a new intersection spanning the former Route 34 highway connector at Orange Street, predicting the new interchange would reconnect long-severed neighborhoods.
The second phase of the city’s “Downtown Crossing” infrastructure project, the intersection reconnects Orange Street to South Orange Street with a traffic light and designated paths for pedestrians and bicycles.
The mile-long spur of the Route 34 connector separated the Hill neighborhood from downtown New Haven during the Urban Renewal era 60 years ago. A plan to extend the one-mile connector was never completed.
The Downtown Crossing “highway removal” project is designed to re-link the neighborhoods to downtown and forge pedestrian-friendly connections into the city’s medical district.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said, “Downtown Crossing represents a conscious effort to reverse mistakes of the past and to reconnect our streets and neighborhoods in ways that promote the flow and flourishing of people, commerce, and ideas.”
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro said, “This is a win for our regional economy. This project is an investment for a thriving community that will expand transportation options, give small businesses a new haven, and create a network of jobs – connecting people to new opportunities.”
In later phases of the project, the city intends to reclaim 10 acres of land and make it available for economic development. Foundation work is also in progress in preparation for a future bridge that will connect Temple Street to Congress Avenue.
The Alexion building at 100 College St. and the under-construction 101 College bioscience building have both been built on reclaimed sections of the former Route 34 connector.
Contact Liese Klein at lklein@newhavenbiz.com.
