05/29/2026
Mansfield Legislative Delegation Announces $1.038 Million for Pedestrian Safety Improvements Along Route 195, Storrs Road
MANSFIELD — State Representative Gregg Haddad, State Sen. Mae Flexer, and State Representative Pat Boyd today announced that the Connecticut Bond Commission approved $1,038,000 in state funding to build a multi-use pathway along a heavily traveled corridor of Route 195 in Mansfield, near the main campus of the University of Connecticut.
The pathway, which town officials have sought to construct for years, will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists — many of whom are UConn students — who regularly travel along the eight-tenths-of-a-mile stretch of roadway between Four Corners and campus. Previously, Congressman Joe Courtney secured $3.2 million in federal funding for the project, and this state support will cover the anticipated project costs.
“This investment is critical for the town of Mansfield and for everyone who uses Route 195 every day,” Rep. Haddad said. “Too many pedestrians are forced to navigate the narrow shoulder of the road, which can be hazardous, especially during busy traffic periods and at night. These improvements will help make the area safer and more accessible for residents, students, and visitors. Importantly, this project will not burden Mansfield taxpayers since the project will be funded almost entirely from state and federal sources.”
"Mansfield has been diligently improving pedestrian safety throughout town, and this less than one-mile stretch of road has been a key area in desperate need of a sidewalk,” said state Sen. Mae Flexer. “I’m especially grateful for Representative Haddad's focused advocacy that secured this critical state investment in this project. This stretch of Route 195 has always been a well-used corridor for pedestrians, bicyclists, and others, but with new housing being built between Route 44 and the UConn campus, this is a growing, major safety concern. I’m thrilled that this state bonding will see this path through to completion, and I can't wait to be one of the many using it in the years to come."
“This funding will increase pedestrian safety for cyclists, students, and anyone traveling along this section of Route 195,” Rep. Boyd said. “UConn and the surrounding area continue to grow and attract visitors and new residents, making this a highly trafficked area for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Investing in these improvements ensures the area remains safe and accessible to residents and students.”
The section of Route 195 slated for improvements has also seen new student housing development in recent years, increasing both pedestrian and bicycle activity and necessitating safer transportation infrastructure.
“As Mansfield continues to grow, we need to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace,” Rep. Haddad said. “With additional housing developments bringing more residents into the area, pedestrian safety enhancements are more important than ever. It's easy to see that lives are at risk along that stretch of Storrs Road, and I've often thought it is only a matter of time before a tragic accident might happen.”
Haddad said the project reflects ongoing collaboration between state and local officials, and he looks forward to continuing to work with the town to improve residents’ quality of life.
