By Dionna Carlson
As we move into the heart of summer, I want to update you on important downtown parking changes coming this August. To help reduce traffic congestion from drivers circling for free parking on Elm Street, we’ll be implementing paid parking along Elm Street and South Avenue. These spaces will continue to have a two-hour limit and visitors can now pay in convenient 30-minute increments.
To balance this change, we are making the Park Street Lot FREE for three-hour parking by removing the meter there. All other parking lots will remain unchanged at this time.
Additionally, we are converting seven Park Street spaces to free 15-minute spots, and combined with the existing 15-minute spaces in Morse Court, visitors will have quick-stop access at both ends of Elm Street. We’re also creating a loading zone at the top of the stairs between the Playhouse and Le Pain Quotidien to reduce truck traffic and double-parked trucks on Elm Street, and we’re converting half the stairway from the Playhouse Lot into a ramp to improve accessibility for wheelchairs, strollers, and deliveries.
We understand change can be challenging. Our team will monitor the impact of these adjustments throughout the year and make improvements where needed. Your patience and feedback are greatly appreciated as we work to enhance the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike.
To stay informed and receive notices about local parking matters, including permit updates, lot closures, and fee changes, please sign up at newcanaanalerts.gov
4th of July
On other matters, I hope everyone had a wonderful time at the 4th of July Celebration! A huge thank you to the New Canaan Fourth of July Fireworks Committee for organizing another fantastic event. This cherished New Canaan tradition is made possible by a dedicated group of volunteers, and I want to emphasize that no taxpayer dollars are used to fund it – pass sales alone make it happen each year.
The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is July 4, 2026. We are planning festivities between Flag Day (June 14th) and Veteran’s Day (November 11th) along with an expanded July 4th celebration to commemorate this historic event. Mark your calendars!
Merritt Parkway Exit Numbers
You may have heard that the exit numbers on the Merritt Parkway are changing. It’s true. The Federal Highway Administration is requiring states to number their Limited Access Highway exits to correspond with mile markers of that highway. In New Canaan Exit 36 will become Exit 13, which is approximately 13 miles from the New York State line. Exit 37 will become Exit 14 and Exit 38 will become Exit 15, which are 14 and 15 miles from the state line, respectively.
Reported reasons for the change include helping emergency responders more quickly locate incidents when exit numbers align with mile markers. The hope is to improve outcomes for travelers and emergency personnel. Also, the idea is to help motorists determine the distance to a desired interchange. For example, if you enter a highway at Exit 10 and your destination is Exit 100 you will know that the destination is 90 miles away. Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) plans to have the number-changing project on our section of the Merritt completed by the end of August.
Rumble Strips on Oenoke Ridge and Smith Ridge
CTDOT, in collaboration with the Town of New Canaan, has scheduled a Public Information Meeting regarding installation of centerline rumble strips on State Route 123 / Smith Ridge Road and State Route 124 / Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan. Rumble strips are grooved sections of pavement that create vibration and sound when vehicle tires pass over them.
The virtual meeting will be Tuesday August 12th at 6 p.m. To register for the meeting and obtain a link to join it, visit: https://portal.ct.gov/DOT2025CLRS-NewCanaan
