A state Department of Transportation (DOT) project to shift the southern end of Edmond Road westward, so that it forms a signalized four-way intersection with Church Hill Road and Commerce Road, has again been delayed, with that work now projected to start in April 2018.

The oft-delayed, $4.5 million construction project, which had been slated to start in 2017, is intended to improve traffic flow and reduce collisions in a congested area that has the highest local motor vehicle accident rate.

Certain project design changes, which are now underway, have caused the delay. Those changes include building a bridge to span some wetlands, instead of placing a box culvert underground to convey an unnamed watercourse beneath the repositioned Edmond Road, according to DOT spokesman Kevin Nursick. The design changes would both lessen the environmental impact on the wetlands and generally simplify the project, reducing its overall cost, according to DOT.

Beside improving traffic safety in the area, the road reconfiguration project is intended to provide better vehicular access to land along Edmond Road for its potential development.

The long-awaited road reconfiguration project has been in the planning stages for many years. Town officials have long sought to improve the appearance and functionality of Church Hill Road west of Exit 10 of Interstate 84, when considering that many travelers on I-84 enter the local road network there.

As part of the project, the DOT plans to build sidewalks along both sides of Church Hill Road in that area. The project is intended to enhance pedestrian access in the area. The construction work is expected to last somewhat more than one construction season. DOT Construction seasons run from April 1 to November 30.

The affected area on Church Hill Road generally lies between the Housatonic Railroad overpass and the Exit 10 ramps for eastbound I-84. The project will include minor widening of Church Hill Road and Commerce Road to allow for travel lane reconfigurations. Designated vehicle-turning lanes will be included in the project.

After the southern section of Edmond Road is shifted westward, the existing southern end of that road would be demolished. Traffic signals in the area would be synchronized to improve traffic flow. The project would include the installation of new stormwater sewers.

The generally heavy traffic in the area coupled with the presence of many commercial driveways, which create vehicle-turning conflicts, leads to the high accident rate.