Busy intersection closed in New Haven and detours working so far

NEW HAVEN >> With the first day of the Whitney Avenue and Audubon Street closure Monday, city traffic czar Doug Hausladen said, “so far, so good.”

Hausladen said his team developed plans to offset the inconvenience of the closure “late” last week—“but it all seems to be working.”

The main detour is along Orange Street, with signs along Church Street highlighting the upcoming detour. Hillhouse Avenue is considered the “secondary detour,” according to Hausladen. Currently, no signage alerted drivers as to that detour, a check by the New Haven Register found.

A new crosswalk, curb extensions, four pedestrian flashers and LED lighting are all part of the project behind the closure. The $320,000 project, which was announced last summer, is being financed by the city and Yale University, with Yale contributing $150,000. Hausladen said the project is ahead of schedule.

A crossing guard located at the corner of Audubon and Orange streets from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and bagged meters along lower Audubon Street, between State and Orange, are in place to assist families dropping off and picking up students for summer programs.

Hausladen said he hadn’t received much feedback Monday, but witnessed firsthand, parking enforcement officers “reminding” people that the area of Audubon between State and Orange streets is strictly for drop-offs and pick-ups.

Hausladen expressed gratitude for institutions that sent out mass emails to inform customers and families about the road changes.

By the end of the work week, Hausladen expects both lanes of Whitney Avenue to be reopened with minimal, “quick, temporary striping closures” left.

Construction at the intersection of Whitney Avenue and Audubon Street. Construction at the intersection of Whitney Avenue and Audubon Street. Photo: (Rachel Chinapen -- New Haven Register) Photo: (Rachel Chinapen -- New Haven Register) Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Busy intersection closed in New Haven and detours working so far 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

The intersection on the edge of the Yale campus closed at 7 a.m. Monday. Thursday. Pedestrian safety has long been a concern in the area. See what area residents had to say about the project here.

Connecticut transit bus riders should especially take note of the project. The bus stop at the corner of Church and Grove streets will be closed during the construction.

Click here to see more detour maps around the road work.