LAKE IT SLOW Success!

Working with the three towns, the LWA convinced CT DOT to reduce the speed limit on Route 45.

The narrow, winding roads around Lake Waramaug are busier than ever. It's up to all of us who live, visit, and work around the Lake to keep each other safe -- and we can, if we LAKE IT SLOW. The roads belong just as much to cyclists, walkers, and joggers as they do to vehicles. ‘Near-misses' have unfortunately become too frequent an occurrence and it is our goal to make road safety a priority. 

The Lake Waramaug Association’s LAKE IT SLOW Road Safety initiative features several easy and proven ways to prevent accidents on the Lake roads. We’re asking every resident, contractor, and visitor to do their part:

• Drive at - or below - the posted legal speed limit

• Give a ‘Waramaug Wave’ to show you see oncoming pedestrians & vehicles

• Watch out for walkers, runners, and cyclists around every curve

• Bike single file with traffic. Run/Walk single file facing traffic - except at blind curves.

This summer, LAKE IT SLOW also includes enhanced speed patrols around the Lake in coordination with our local CT State Troopers, and outreach to cyclists, pedestrians, and contractors. 

FREE LAKE IT SLOW Lawn Signs, Car Magnets & Temporary Tattoos are available: Email us at lakewaramaugassociation@gmail.com.

November, 2022 Update

We did it! Working with the three towns, the Lake Waramaug Association achieved one of our top LAKE IT SLOW goals: we successfully campaigned for the State of CT Department of Transportation to reduce the speed limit on Route 45 for 2.23 miles from West Shore Road in Washington to Curtiss Road in Warren and to add crosswalks around the lake! Our advocacy also resulted in DOT’s commitment to repair West Shore Road by Cheree Point, stave off the replacement of wood posts with galvanized steel on West and North Shore Roads, and upgrade & repair wood guide rails on the lake roadways in the coming year. 

Our advocacy started in 2021 when we launched the Lake it Slow campaign. Our Lake It Slow committee compiled and drafted a report, wherein we highlighted our concerns relating to the speed limit on Route 45, the lack of crosswalks on certain stretches of the Lake roadways and the increase in truck traffic. Our report, along with photos, speeding data info, and many, many testimonials from the community (thank you for sending these in!), was sent to the three selectmen of Washington, Warren, and Kent. They thanked us and complimented the work of our committee and the community. Our report, along with their recommendation that our recommendations be implemented, was sent along to CT DOT in March, 2022. The three selectmen met with the CT DOT representative, and a traffic study was conducted on Route 45 by the CT DOT. The result was a reduction in the speed limit on Route 45 for 2.23 miles from West Shore Road in Washington to Curtiss Road in Warren, and a plan to add crosswalks around the Lake. 

Here is the Traffic Investigation Report and Recommendations which were implemented in November, 2022. We will share details regarding the crosswalks and also the result of our request to designate Route 45 a no thru-truck zone when we receive more information.  

We want to thank the more than 40 people who sent us their testimonials about how cars/trucks speeding on Route 45  affected their quality of life as a resident, pedestrian, cyclist, dog-walker, etc. including accidents, 'near-misses,' and other personal experiences/observations. Your voices made a difference!

Even with the great news about the reduced speed limit, there is still much work to be done to make the roads around Lake Waramaug safer for all who visit, live, and work around the lake. The LWA will be working with the towns to raise awareness about the new speed limit and support the officers whose jobs include enforcement. Summer 2023 will feature LAKE IT SLOW 3.0 to continue to raise awareness about, and participation in, road safety around the lake. And we want your voices to continue to be heard. Please email us your testimonials and ideas about how road safety can continue to be improved. Be sure to include your contact information including name, address, and email and/or phone number.

Download our LAKE IT SLOW Local Business/Contractor letter.

Everyone’s actions truly make a difference. THANK YOU for your support!