The imminent disaster to New Haven’s traffic problems known as Downtown Crossing is sadly about to happen.
Pushed through by unbeatable powers, to make room for Downtown Crossing, two of three downtown exits are about to be closed, and a major portion of Route 34 will be permanently removed. In addition, the remaining portion of Route 34 is going to be converted to a slow moving surface road.
Even now, without Downtown Crossing, traffic is frequently backed up on the present Route 34 from Interstate 91 and 95. When it is completed and the permanent damage is done to Route 34, access to New Haven will be severely limited, making the traffic problems dramatically worse.
It will be very hard on both commuters and the people who now travel here to enjoy what our city has to offer. As a result, it will also hurt our local businesses. Unfortunately, New Haven will permanently suffer from the completion of Downtown Crossing, regardless of its purported merits. Downtown Crossing is happening despite the permanent inconveniences to the rest of us.
Michael D. Saffer
West Haven