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Center Infrastructure Improvement Project Newsletter

Farmington Avenue Construction Update

The Town of West Hartford would like to share an update on ongoing construction activity along Farmington Avenue. We’re pleased to report that the contractor is currently ahead of schedule and plans to begin work in Phase 3. This progress is expected to help accelerate the overall project timeline within that section of Farmington Avenue.

At the same time, Phase 2 work is now anticipated to begin on April 6. This slight adjustment is due to recent design modifications associated with the new mobility hubs.

Below is the updated phasing schedule and list of businesses located within the upcoming work zones.

Phase 2 | April 6 – June 5

Chipotle

Max’s Oyster Bar

Ichiro Hibachi & Sushi

Chase

Phase 3 | March 23 – May 22

Coldwell Banker Realty

Pink Soda

The Elbow Room

Toast West & Spirits

Sevan Jewelers

Café Sofia

SOSS Martial Arts

Hope & Stetson

Ace Hardware

New Grace Nails & Spa

Treva

You will notice some overlap in the proposed schedule for the various phases. This approach is intentional and reflects the use of two construction crews working concurrently. One crew will focus on underground utility improvements, while a second crew will follow with sidewalk and surface restoration work. Using two crews will help accelerate overall construction and reduce the duration of each individual phase.

Please note that the date ranges shown on the schedule are tentative and remain subject to change based on weather, field conditions, and other project-related factors. If the schedule shifts, the phasing plan will be updated and shared as revisions are finalized.

View the updated project phasing plan here to see when construction is expected in each section of Farmington Avenue.

Two-Week Look Ahead Schedule

Week of March 23 – March 27

Farmington Avenue

Phase 1

• Prepare sidewalk areas for new construction
• Remove remaining granite curbing
• Excavate for new curb installation

Phase 3

• Mobilize and install maintenance and protection of traffic measures, including sidewalk fencing and cones
• Please note: fencing will be installed in stages as work progresses to help minimize impacts as much as possible.
• Demolish existing sidewalk
• Install soil cells

Phase 4

• March 24–25: Investigative test pits for proposed catch basins in front of former CVS and El Santo
• This work is expected to affect 4-5 parking spaces in these areas on these dates only.

LaSalle Road

• ETC will return to continue tree pit electrical installations

Week of March 30 – April 3

Farmington Avenue

A notice will be sent prior to the following work activities

• Road coring at various locations along Farmington Avenue
• Gerber plans to have a police officer following the coring operation and directing traffic as needed. Some traffic congestion should be expected during this work.

Phase 1

• Mobilization of concrete subcontractors
• Continue excavation for granite curb installation
• Continue sidewalk subgrade work
• Concrete crew mobilization

Phase 3

• Continue existing sidewalk demolition
• Continue soil cell installation

Reminder

Please note that all construction activities are weather dependent, and work levels may vary throughout the winter and spring season. We appreciate the community’s continued patience and support as these improvements move forward.

Meet the Project Team

Elizabeth Gugliotta, Public Outreach Coordinator

Elizabeth Gugliotta is serving as the Public Outreach Coordinator for the West Hartford Center Infrastructure Project, where she leads community engagement efforts and helps keep residents, businesses, and stakeholders informed throughout the project. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, Elizabeth earned her Bachelor’s degree in Graphic and Interactive Design with concentrations in Psychology, as well as a Master of Science in Interactive Media and Communication. Her combined expertise in design and human behavior allows her to create clear, accessible, and engaging communications for diverse audiences.

She is particularly enthusiastic about the project’s focus on expanding sidewalks and implementing pedestrian calming measures, recognizing the importance of enhancing safety and walkability in West Hartford Center. Elizabeth is passionate about fostering strong connections between the project team and the community while supporting improvements that create a safer and more vibrant environment for all.

For urgent matters or questions about the project, community members are welcome to call or text Elizabeth Gugliotta at 508-930-0417 or email CenterConstruction@westhartfordct.gov.

Stay Informed: Sign Up for Text Alerts

Community members and business owners can opt in to receive SMS text alerts for time-sensitive West Hartford Center Construction Project updates, including traffic impacts and schedule changes. Enroll and stay informed throughout construction.

ATTENTION: Local Businesses - Get the Business Toolkit

Signage to Help Keep Your Business and Customers Informed!

In this Toolkit:

• Business Rack Cards - Tips
• Business Placards - Click link below to see customized window and/or cash wrap signage for your industry!

If you need additional copies of outreach materials, such as window signs, or have any questions, please feel free to contact us at CenterConstruction@westhartfordct.gov — we’re happy to assist.

As construction progresses, we're working to maximize on-street parking for customers and visitors. To help, we encourage employees to use alternative parking options, including the Town Center Parking Garage, which offers reduced rates for retail and restaurant employees working in the Center.

The Town Center Garage rates are far lower than other options! The rates are $4.50 for up to an 8.5-hour shift and $7 for anything over 8.5 hours.

For more information, contact Kristen Gorski, Economic Development Manager, at kristen.gorski@westhartfordct.gov.

Stay Informed and Ahead of the Curve

For the latest updates and important information about the project, visit our project webpage. It’s your go-to resource for all the news, timelines, and tools to help your business navigate the construction period smoothly.

Have questions or feedback? We’re here to help—email us at CenterConstruction@westhartfordct.gov