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HB 5120

AN ACT AUTHORIZING BONDS OF THE STATE FOR INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES IN THE TOWNS OF BLOOMFIELD AND WEST HARTFORD.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bobby Gibson

Connecticut authorizes state bonds to fund traffic calming infrastructure installations in Bloomfield and West Hartford to improve pedestrian and vehicle safety.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Finance, Revenue and Bonding
#bloomfield #highwaysafety #pedestrians #statebondsfortransportation #westhartford
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Bill Summary · HB 5120

Legislative bill overview

HB 5120 authorizes Connecticut to issue state bonds to fund traffic calming infrastructure projects in Bloomfield and West Hartford. The bill enables these municipalities to implement safety measures such as speed humps, narrowed lanes, traffic signals, or other infrastructure designed to reduce vehicle speeds in residential or high-risk areas.

Why is this important

Traffic calming measures have been shown to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities, particularly in neighborhoods with children, elderly residents, or high foot traffic. By using state bonding authority rather than requiring municipalities to fund these projects independently, the bill addresses safety concerns while distributing costs across the broader state budget.

Potential points of contention

  • Bond debt responsibility: State bonding increases Connecticut's overall debt burden; some fiscal conservatives may question whether traffic safety improvements warrant state-level bonding when municipalities could fund projects locally
  • Geographic equity: Focusing funds on two specific towns raises questions about why other communities with similar traffic safety concerns are excluded, and whether a statewide traffic safety program would be more equitable
  • Maintenance and long-term costs: The bill addresses initial installation but may not specify who funds ongoing maintenance, repairs, or eventual replacement of traffic calming infrastructure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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