Fairfield authority approves narrowing travel lanes on Villa Avenue to add shoulder space for cyclists

The Fairfield Traffic Authority voted to approve engineering’s recommendation to narrow travel lanes on Villa Avenue to create additional shoulder/space for bicyclists and to encourage lower vehicle speeds. Staff described the change as a pavement‑marking adjustment that moves the centerline and edge lines to produce a perceived narrower travel lane; the measure does not change curb location.

Bill Hurley, engineering manager, explained that a nine‑foot measurement is the distance between the yellow centerline and the fog/edge line and that similar lane widths have been used in other Connecticut towns. “If you move the travel lane by pavement markings, it gives the appearance of a narrower lane,” Hurley said. Staff noted the change aligns with NACTO guidance and cited other municipalities that have used narrower travel lanes to slow traffic. The authority approved the recommendation by voice vote.

Staff said the change is primarily a striping exercise (no curb work) and will provide cyclists more lateral clearance where full bike lanes are not feasible; if locations are too narrow, the town will sign them as shared lanes. The motion directs engineering to implement the striping plan and monitor speeds and bicycle comfort after installation.