HARTFORD - Four Fairfield County towns and cities are receiving more than $9 million in federal highway funds designed to improve traffic flow, quality of life and reduce energy use.

“These grants combine two of the most critical issues of our time: transportation and the environment,” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

“Growing and modernizing our transportation system in a way that’s beneficial to air quality is absolutely critical,” Malloy said. “We must keep working to provide a best-in-class transportation system - the future of our state hinges on it.”

Those receiving grants include:

Bridgeport: $3 million to upgrade traffic signals along Park Avenue at the intersections of Vine Street/Wood Avenue, Laurel Avenue, Washington Avenue, Prospect Street, South Avenue, South Frontage Road, and Railroad Avenue (Railroad Avenue eastbound and westbound).

Greenwich: $2 million to upgrade existing traffic signal system along the Glenville corridor and to make geometric improvements to the Glenville Road/Pemberick Road intersection.

Milford: $56,000 to purchase 25 bike lockers at the Milford Train Station to encourage multi-modal transportation to and from the station.

Stamford: $3 million for signal system upgrade and synchronization along Route 1 at the intersections of Seaside Avenue, Wilson Street, Liberty Street and Fairfield Avenue, and also at the intersections of North State Street with Elm Street and Canal Street.

“This federal funding is a win-win for Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure - modernizing our transportation systems and cutting exhaust emissions to improve air quality,” said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.

“Local leaders know best how to solve town traffic problems and reduce energy use,” Blumenthal said. “We need more federal investment in these areas, and that’s why I fought hard for passage of the FAST Act in Congress, which increases investments in our roads and rails, creating jobs and making it easier for Connecticut commuters to get to work safely and reliably.”

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn, noted: “I’ve heard from people all across Connecticut, and they’re fed up with traffic. But I know that when we make smarter use of clean energy technologies and resources already at our disposal, we can improve quality of life and the flow of commerce throughout our state.”

“These transit grants are great news for Connecticut and they will have a remarkable impact on the way we move around our communities,” said U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3rd. “With these funds, we can reduce traffic congestion and emissions, while promoting healthy and sustainable transportation alternatives.”