The state is unveiling a new plan to fix the problem in Middletown on Route 9 where traffic lights cause major backups during rush hour.
"Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s tough," Mike Millane, of Cromwell, said.
The state's vision is to have drivers sail right through and no longer suddenly stop at two traffic lights.
On Thursday, people showed up to a public hearing to learn more about a new proposal by the state Department of Transportation.
Instead of the lights, exits 15 and 16 would be reworked so that cars could get on and off Route 9 north and south using a combination of ramps and bridges.
"It’s a relatively simple plan. And it provides a huge improvement both in terms of traffic flow but also safety too," William Britnell, transportation principal engineer, said.
During the last three years, the state said drivers were involved in 313 crashes in this area.
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Some people are concerned the $75 million plan, which would also include improvements to intersections on Main Street, might lead to heavier traffic in parts of the downtown, causing problems for businesses and neighbors.
"I don’t think this plan is good for Middletown. It’s certainly not good for my neighborhood," Catherine Owens, of Middletown, said.
Residents can still sound off on the plan by sending comments to CTDOT.
The project cost would be split between the state and feds, with the goal to start construction in 2019.
