Norwalk business leaders and elected officials were on hand to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Streetscape Improvement Project in the city’s Hospital Hill area.

Officials say the $1.3 million infrastructure project will increase traffic safety and beautification.

It's funded by an $800,000 grant from the Connecticut Department of Transportation's Community Connectivity Grant Program and capital funds from the City of Norwalk.

Officials say neighbors have been complaining about traffic problems for years.

"The traffic pattern was not safe. The neighbors have been complaining," said Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling. "We are going to make it safer. We are going to have a community parking. The design is going to be different and it's going to help the businesses and the neighbors have a much safer area."

Neighboring businesses, including Blue Cactus Grill, are investing in facade improvements, which are being partially funded by a 50% grant matched by the Norwalk's Office of Economic & Community Development Storefront Improvement program.