FAQs
- What was the purpose of this study?
- How was this study different from the 2008 Mystic Multi-modal Transportation Study?
- What were some of the transportation options that were studied in the Mystic Mobility Study?
- What criteria were used to evaluate transportation options?
- What was the end result of this study?
- How long did this study take?
- What was the study area?
- What was the role of the Advisory Committee?
- How did the public get involved?
- How soon will improvements be implemented in this study area?
What was the purpose of this study?
This study evaluated transportation service and facilities throughout Mystic to determine possible improvements and the general costs and benefits of those improvements.
How was this study different from the 2008 Mystic Multi-modal Transportation Study?
The earlier study identified a number of transportation improvement options for further study but was broad-brush in nature and did not provide an in-depth evalution.
What were some of the transportation options that were studied in the 2010 Mystic Mobility Study?
The study team investigated and made recommendations on:
- Creation of a Transportation Center
- Reinstitution of a Mystic Trolley Bus Service
- Expansion of Mystic Seaport Water Shuttle Service
- Directional wayfinding signage throughout Mystic
- Enhancement of pedestrian and non-vehicular transit linkages (bike lanes, sidewalk improvements, etc.)
- Intersection improvements to enhance traffic flow and promote pedestrian safety
- Sidewalk maintenance and accessibility
What criteria were used to evaluate transportation options?
Transportation options were evaluated for financial feasibility, cost effectiveness and operational constraints. Input from stakeholders and the public was also considered.
What will be the end result of this study?
The result of this study was a Final Improvement Recommendations Plan, identifying a set of multi-modal transportation plans that best address mobility throughout Mystic.
How long did this study take?
This study was carried out over an approximate 15 month period concluding in early 2011.
What was the study area?
The study area extended from Exit 90 on Interstate 95 to include Mystic’s “Golden Triangle” (defined by Route 27, Coogan Boulevard and Jerry Browne Road and zoned to permit dense commercial development), south along Route 27 to downtown Mystic, on both the Groton and Stonington sides of the Mystic River. Please view the Study Area Map to see areas of focus for this study.
What was the role of the Advisory Committee?
The Advisory Committee provided information and guidance to the study team. This committee met five times at key milestone points during the study. It consisted of representatives of federal, state, regional and municipal agencies as well as business representatives, including people from the Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Chamber of Commerce, economic development representatives, local organizations, neighborhood representatives, and downtown interests and other organizations or groups with a special interest in the transportation system throughout Mystic.
How did the public get involved?
Current and potential users of the transportation system in the Mystic area were critical participants in this study. There were a variety of opportunities for the public to participate and provide input to the study team:
- Public information meetings provided the public with a formal opportunity to view study activities and provide input. Three public information meetings were held at key study milestones throughout the study.
- This website allowed the public to track the progress of the study and to receive notice of public meetings. It also provided an avenue for submitting comments directly to the study team.
- Targeted stakeholder outreach meetings were conducted to ensure comprehensive representation from all stakeholders in the study area. These meetings allowed input from a variety of individuals with a broad range of perspectives on the region and its transportation system. These meetings ensured that many perspectives were heard.
How soon will improvements be implemented in this study area?
This study confirmed what improvements were needed and can be implemented. There are steps that still need to be carried out upon completion of this study. Major, longer term recommendations will have to undergo a detailed environmental impact analysis and documentation process, followed by an engineering design process. Shorter term or less complex recommendations were identified for implementation in the near term.