Reconnecting Communities Initiative

The City of New Haven is soliciting qualifications for a multi-disciplinary team to lead the I-91 Neighborhood Reconnection Initiative, a project aimed at repairing the long-term social, economic, and physical damage caused by interstate highway construction. Funded primarily by a 2 million USDOT Reconnecting Communities Pilot planning grant, the initiative focuses on the I-91 corridor from Exit 1 to Exit 8, including a half-mile buffer of surface roadways. The project seeks to improve mobility, land use, environmental conditions, and neighborhood cohesion through a comprehensive Reconnection Plan. Key deliverables include urban design and reuse concepts, zoning and regulatory recommendations, anti-displacement strategies, and a phased implementation strategy. The contract features a two-year period of performance for the planning process, with an initial one-year term and two optional one-year renewals. Qualified firms must demonstrate expertise in FHWA Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) and NEPA frameworks, as well as proficiency in GEOPAK, ArcGIS, and CTDOT Highway Design Manual standards. Proposals are due by October 20, 2026, via the City's eProcurement Portal and are subject to a 15-page limit. Award evaluation is points-based, heavily weighting the qualifications of the project team and their experience with comparable projects. The agreement is governed by Connecticut law and requires strict compliance with federal regulations, including UEI identification, non-discrimination policies, and specific insurance endorsements.