September 25, 2025

As our city grows, so does our commitment to becoming a safer, more connected, and more walkable place to live, work, and explore. From bold planning policies to on-the-ground infrastructure improvements, Norwalk is building a transportation system that puts people first, whether they’re walking their kids to school, biking to work, or taking transit across town.

This blog breaks down the key initiatives shaping Norwalk’s mobility future, and how you can get involved in building a city that works for everyone.

Laying the Groundwork: Norwalk’s Planning Vision

At the core of Norwalk’s transformation is the Transportation Master Plan, a 10–20-year roadmap guiding how we improve movement across the city. This comprehensive plan is built around critical priorities:

• Vision Zero – Eliminating traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries.
• Micro-mobility – Supporting e-bikes, scooters, and other small-scale, sustainable travel.
• Curb-space Management – Efficient use of limited curb space for loading zones, parking, and transit stops.
• Equity in Transportation – Ensuring all communities have safe, affordable, and accessible options.

In alignment with the Norwalk Citywide Plan (POCD), these strategies support long-term development goals and ensure transportation infrastructure keeps pace with housing, jobs, and sustainability.

Photo credit to Norwalk Redevelopment Agency

Complete Streets: Streets for Everyone

Adopted in November 2024, Norwalk’s Complete Streets ordinance ensures that all new street designs and retrofits accommodate people of all ages and abilities, whether walking, biking, driving, or using a wheelchair. The ordinance includes a new Complete Streets Design Guide and Typology Map that helps guide how streets should function across neighborhoods, downtown areas, and commercial corridors.

Making Walking and Biking Safer and Smarter

With a focus on active transportation, Norwalk is investing in walkable, bikeable connections throughout the city:

Pedestrian & Bikeway Transportation Plan

This detailed plan includes:

• Corridor assessments and high-priority improvement zones.
• Design schematics for intersections, bike lanes, and pedestrian upgrades.
• Implementation strategies that prioritize the most critical and underserved areas.

Activity Toolkit and Local Trails

Norwalk’s growing trail network, including the popular Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT), offers safe, scenic routes for walking, jogging, and biking. Bridges, crossings, and safety signage make these pathways a key part of the city’s active lifestyle vision.

Photo credit to: Norwalk Hour 

New Safe Sidewalks for Back to School

Just in time for the school year, new sidewalks were installed near South Norwalk Elementary, which opened on August 25, 2025. These improvements make it safer for students and families to walk to school, connecting the dots between infrastructure investment and real-world benefits.

Track the Progress

The Connectivity Dashboard provides data on:

• Bike lanes and routes
• Public bike racks
• Transit usage and connectivity across the city

Big Changes in Transit: Beginning August 11

After a multi-year planning process, Norwalk Transit District rolled out a bus network overhaul on August 11 that:

• Consolidates and simplifies the local bus network from 13 routes to 7.
• Provides 15-minute bus frequencies during the weekday peak between major destinations, including South Norwalk, Main Avenue and Connecticut Avenue.
• Establishes three new mini hubs for transfers at South Norwalk Station, Burnell Boulevard and East Norwalk Station.
• Streamlines routes for single transfer trips between key areas.
• Extends service on Routes 1, 2 and 3 until 11:00 pm weekdays and Saturdays and on Sundays between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm.

This overhaul brings flexibility and reliability to riders, making public transit a more practical option for mobility.

Infrastructure Investments: Wall Street and Beyond

Norwalk’s $30 million Wall Street Corridor Revitalization is a multi-year commitment to transforming the heart of downtown. Key features include:

• Wider sidewalks and safer crosswalks
• Traffic calming measures to slow speeds
• Improved lighting, landscaping, and public spaces
• Enhanced accessibility for all users

Expected to be completed by 2030, this project is a major step forward in building a downtown that’s vibrant, walkable, and people-friendly. Learn more at Park Norwalk.

SoNo & Beyond: Connecting Neighborhoods and Nature

Strategic redevelopment is shaping more multi-modal and connected destinations, including:

SoNo Station Area & Waterfront Access

Norwalk is integrating active transportation design into a revitalized intermodal hub, making it easier to walk, bike, or transfer to transit while enjoying access to the waterfront and SoNo’s dynamic urban environment.

Photo credit to:Visit Norwalk  

Mathews Park Mobility Enhancements

Mobility improvements are being made to ensure better access into Mathews Park, connecting recreational space with neighborhoods and downtown, and improving the experience for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders alike.

Details on both initiatives can be found at norwalkredevelopmentagency.org.

How You Can Get Involved

Creating a safer, more walkable Norwalk requires community input. Here’s how you can help:

• Explore the Transportation Master Plan and give feedback on projects.
• Attend public meetings and workshops hosted by the City and Redevelopment Agency.
• Try the new bus routes and share your rider experience.
• Use trails and sidewalks, and report issues or ideas through city apps and online platforms.
• Follow @NorwalkTomorrow for updates on planning efforts and public engagement opportunities.

Walk With Us Into Norwalk’s Future

Norwalk’s commitment to mobility, safety, and sustainability is a promise to every resident, student, commuter, and visitor. From new sidewalks near schools to major transit upgrades and downtown revitalization, every project brings us one step closer to a more connected and walkable city.