CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: June 9, 2009

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

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The Metro-North Railroad’s New Haven Main Line crosses over Sound Beach Avenue at Mile Point 31.29 and Tomac Avenue at Mile Point 31.61.  Both bridges were originally constructed in 1894.  The bridge over Sound Beach Avenue was reconstructed in 1929 to accommodate a wider roadway underneath.  Biennial inspections of both bridges have determined that the Sound Beach Avenue Bridge is in “Poor” condition due to extensive deterioration of the structural steel and concrete, while Tomac Avenue is in “Fair” condition, having never been rehabilitated before, its structural steel superstructure is also deteriorated and is in need of replacement.

The project involves removing the existing superstructures under each track followed by the erection of new structures.   The bridge seats will be rebuilt to accept new bearings and support the new structure.  The abutments will also be reinforced with new anchors as necessary.  The bridge over Sound Beach Avenue will be reconfigured from a double span to a single span, which will open the roadway below by removing the center pier and allowing for increased sidewalk widths, roadway shoulders (one of which will be a bike lane) and a third lane consistent with the roadway configuration on either side of the bridge. At both bridges, the abutments will remain at their current location, thereby keeping the overall width of the structures as they exist today and the vertical clearances at both bridges will also remain the same.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2011 and to be completed by the end of 2015.  This project has a Construction Cost Code of “K” ranging between $20 and $30 million and will be undertaken with Federal and State funds.  This project should have no permanent impacts to private property; however there will be impacts to the operations at Old Greenwich Train Station during construction for replacement of staircases and platform extensions at the Sound Beach Avenue Bridge and these will be minimized to the greatest extent possible.  Local traffic at Sound Beach Avenue at times will be reduced to alternating one-way traffic with closures kept to a minimum and scheduled at night for bridge demolition and erection.  Due to the reduced opening at Tomac Avenue, temporary closures are anticipated with a detour route established utilizing local roads for critical phases of construction.

The Public Information Meeting is being held to afford a full opportunity for public participation and to allow open discussion of any views and comments the community may have concerning this proposed project.

Plans of the proposed project will be on display for public review during the starting at 6:30 for the informal session.  Plans will also be posted on the Department of Transportation’s and the Town of Greenwich’s websites for review prior to the meeting.  ConnDOT personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss the project.  Anyone interested in requesting information on this project should contact Mr. Jay Young, Project Engineer, at (860) 594-2881 or via email at d.jay.young@ct.gov.  You may also send written inquiries to Mr. Mark D. Neri, Assistant Rail Administrator, State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, P. O. Box 317546, Newington, Connecticut 06131-7546.  Please refer to State Project No. 301-092 in all correspondence.

Any persons interested in this project are welcome to attend this meeting and discuss the project with ConnDOT personnel.

Preliminary Plans for Presentation are available by clicking on this link:
https://www.ct.gov/dot/lib/dot/documents/dcommunications/press_release/Proj_301-092-Prelim.pdf