Chapel Street Will Convert From a One-Way to a Two-Way Street

The conversion, happening in its first phase between College and York Streets, is part of New Havens broader Safe Routes for All initiative to calm traffic, improve citywide mobility, and create safer streets for all road users.

Come early spring, Chapel Street between College and York Streets will be converted from one-way to two-way. Only a few on-street parking spaces at intersections will be lost as a result of this conversion. The majority of on-street parking will remain in place.

This conversion is part of the city’s overall efforts to improve traffic flow, reduce speeding, and improve safety for all road users. The majority of on-street parking will remain in place.

Measures included to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, slow motor vehicle traffic, and reduce illegal double parking include the following:

Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) and Pedestrian Push Buttons: These features are designed primarily for people with disabilities and include “direction of crossing” messages with speech, tactile buttons that vibrate, and touchless push buttons that can be activated with the wave of a hand.
High-Visibility Crosswalks: Bright, easily seen crosswalks to enhance pedestrian safety and visibility.
Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) Signals: Pedestrian timing improvements to give crossers an early walk indication and extra time to cross.
Improved Signage for Turning Vehicles: Additional enhanced signage informing drivers turning to yield to pedestrians on both the near and far sides, where allowed. As per state law, DRIVERS MUST YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS IN A CROSSWALK.
Enhanced Signal Timing: This includes a protected green arrow for left turns, better signal timing coordination for drivers and longer walk times for pedestrians to improve traffic flow and safety.
Increased Enforcement: Following the conversion, the New Haven Police Department will increase ticketing of vehicles illegally parked on Chapel Street. Drivers are advised to plan accordingly.

When Chapel Street opens as two way, on-road signage will alert and guide drivers to the new traffic pattern. Drivers are urged to slow down, pay attention to your surroundings, and travel safely!