FAQ

The West Hartford Center Infrastructure Project will reconstruct LaSalle Road (from Farmington Avenue to Ellsworth Road) and Farmington Avenue (from North/South Main Street to Walden Street) as part of a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade. The project includes roadway resurfacing, new granite curbing, widened sidewalks, decorative street lighting, traffic signal modifications, landscaping with engineered tree pits, mobility hubs, raised crosswalks, and site furniture. The project will be completed in two phases: LaSalle Road first, followed by Farmington Avenue. These improvements will enhance safety, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal, making the area more attractive for residents and visitors alike. Overall, the project aims to create a more welcoming and functional public space, fostering community engagement.

We understand the importance of maintaining access to businesses during construction. We are committed to minimizing disruptions. Construction activities will be scheduled to limit interference with business hours, and pedestrian access to stores will be maintained at all times. We'll also work closely with business owners to communicate any changes in access or temporary closures.

There may be some temporary disruptions to parking during certain stages of the project. We will work to minimize the impact on parking spaces, and where possible, we’ll identify alternative parking areas for customers and employees. Signage will also be posted to direct visitors to available parking. We will provide advance notice of any significant changes to parking availability. Use the WeHa Parking Finder App for easy access to parking options.

A designated turn-off area and parking lot on Arapahoe Road will facilitate rideshare and food delivery drop-offs and pick-ups, all within walking distance to businesses in the Center.

Yes, restaurants will be permitted to set-up outdoor dining, but only in sidewalk areas that were previously approved by the Planning and Zoning Office. We recognize the potential impact construction can have on outdoor dining experiences. To minimize disruptions, we are taking steps to control noise and dust while limiting construction to small sections of the business district. Work will be confined to areas spanning approximately 300 to 400 feet, ensuring minimal disruption to both local businesses and the public.

We will manage noise and dust through equipment and techniques designed to minimize both. Dust suppression methods, such as water spraying, will be used regularly. Construction fencing will help contain the work area, and the noisiest activities will be scheduled during times when they will cause the least disruption. If you notice any issues with noise or dust, please reach out to us, and we'll address it promptly.

The construction timeline is expected to be phased over two construction seasons. Work on LaSalle Road will begin in March 2025 and is expected to be completed by November 2025. Work on Farmington Avenue will begin in early 2026 with completion by the end of November 2026.  Work will primarily take place during standard business hours (typically 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), but some evening or weekend work may be necessary to minimize business disruptions. We will notify the community in advance if work will occur outside of regular hours, and we aim to keep the work efficient to finish as quickly as possible.

The roadways will remain open to vehicles during construction. There may be some minor traffic delays to allow equipment to safely maneuver through the work zone. West Hartford Police or traffic flaggers will be onsite to assist vehicles and pedestrians traveling through the work zones. There may be a few periods when temporary one-way alternating traffic patterns may need to facilitate the work. These detours will be communicated in advance via e-mail, the project website, and physical signage throughout the area.

Access to all properties and businesses will be maintained during the construction process. In certain areas, temporary closures or detours may be necessary, but we will ensure there is clear signage to guide pedestrians and vehicles to their destinations. Business owners will be informed in advance of any changes to access or temporary closures.

We will provide regular updates via email, the project website, and physical signage throughout the area. Notifications will be sent ahead of any road closures or detours, so residents are fully aware of changes.

We understand the importance of community events, and we are committed to working with local organizations to minimize any impact. We will coordinate with event organizers to avoid conflicts with construction schedules. In the case of significant events, we will temporarily halt construction activities during event times to ensure the safety and convenience of participants and visitors.

Pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained throughout the project, though temporary detours may be required in certain areas. We will provide clear signage to direct people along safe routes, and any barriers will be designed to be easily navigable. Our goal is to keep the area safe and as accessible as possible for everyone.

We value the input of the community and encourage you to share any questions, concerns, or feedback. You can reach out to the project team by email at CenterConstruction@westhartfordct.gov.

Yes! The project is not only aimed at improving the infrastructure but also enhancing the appearance and functionality of the area. Once the roadway and sidewalks are improved, landscaping and other beautification efforts will be implemented to make the space more attractive and welcoming for both pedestrians and vehicles.