The Stamford (Conn.) Urban Transitway designed, to improve access to the most heavily used mass transportation facility in Connecticut received a $7.9 million grant Monday. The grant will help build a one-mile road providing a direct east-west link from the south side of Interstate-95 to the Stamford Intermodal Transportation Center, which is currently being rehabilitated to accommodate high-speed rail service and to provide additional commuter parking. When finished, the Transitway will include exlusive lanes for buses and other high-occupancy vehicles, as well as enhanced bicycle lanes and sidewalks along the entire corridor. The project will include intelligent transportation system features, providing real-time information on message signs, kiosks and bus stop signs along the way. The Transitway is expected to help maximize ridership on Metro-North and Amtrak service through the transportation center and on local and intercity buses. As a result of the improved bus/rail interface, an estimated 1,168 new riders will use rail at the transportation center and an additional 300 riders will use local bus connections to it each weekday.