For Immediate Release                   

August 18, 2015
Contact: Marc Dillon
(203- 385-4001)                                                                   

 Study reveals no negative impact to
Milford businesses from Exit 33 in Stratford

STRATFORD – Mayor John Harkins today joined with local business leaders and officials to reinforce strong support for the addition of a full interchange at Exit 33 off if I-95 in Stratford.

A recently completed study of the potential impacts on neighboring Devon businesses from the installation of a full interchange off of I-95 in Stratford has revealed no negative impact to businesses there.

The study, conducted by CT DOT, concludes in part: “In general, for all types of businesses in Devon, their business exposure to traffic on Bridgeport Avenue would not experience perceptible changes after the construction of the Interchange 33 project. The potential impact on business patrons’ route choice and travel habit caused by the change of accessibility at Interchange 33 would be very limited. A significant diversion of business patrons away from Devon is not anticipated.”

“Stratford businesses and taxpayers have suffered long enough without the benefit of a full interchange at Exit 33. It is my belief that this study will quell the small forces largely based in Milford opposing this economic development project in Stratford,” said Mayor Harkins. “I appreciate the due diligence done by our legislators and at CT DOT and look forward to breaking ground on this critical infrastructure improvement that will benefit the entire region in the not-so distant future.”

“In anticipation of this exit debate, I polled my constituents via a survey regarding the proposed exit in Stratford.  An overwhelming 80 percent are in favor of this additional exit.  I was withholding my support of the exit pending the economic study.  That study, conducted by STV, has been released and shows that there will be little if any negative impact on the businesses in Devon center.  I believe that the additional exit will help relieve the congestion in Devon center particularly during rush hour or when there's a delay on I-95.  It will also lessen the traffic on our side streets,” State Rep. Kim Rose (D- Milford 118th).?

“Successful redevelopment and increased private investment in Stratford require a supportive infrastructure. With the current re-construction of the Moses Wheeler Bridge, the timing is right and the Stratford Chamber looks forward to seeing this long awaited Exit 33 project come to fruition,” said Stratford Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mary Dean.

Ground is expected to be broken on the full interchange at Exit 33 in Stratford in 2017.

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Marc Dillon
Chief of Staff
(203) 385-4001