CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546
FOR RELEASE: December 5, 2007	FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:    OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS    TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062    Fax: (860) 594-3066    Web site:www.ct.gov/dot

Section 4(f) De Minimus Impact Notification in Reference to
Replacement of Bridge # 8020R -
Metro North Railroad over Tokeneke Brook

The purpose of this notification is to document the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (Department) recommendation that in accordance with Section 6009 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) and the associated Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)- Federal Transit Administration (FTA) joint guidance dated December 13, 2005, a Section 4(f) De Minimus Impacts Finding is appropriate for the property affected by the project detailed below. 

Section 4(f) of the U.S. DOT Act states that the FHWA and other U.S. DOT agencies cannot approve the use of land from a significant publicly owned park, recreation area, wildlife or waterfowl refuge, or any significant historic site unless the following conditions apply:

• There is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use of land.
• The action includes all possible planning to minimize harm to the property resulting from use.

Project Title: Replacement of Bridge # 8020R - Metro North Railroad over Tokeneke Brook

Municipality where proposed project might be located: Darien, CT

Project Description:   The project involves the replacement of Bridge No. 08020R that carries the Main Line of Metro-North Railroad over Tokeneke Brook in Darien, Connecticut.  The structure is 100 feet in length in an embankment carrying four main line Metro-North tracks.  Recent inspections have revealed that the culvert is in a deteriorating condition.  Improving the structure’s integrity through replacement is the purpose of this project. 

Two easements for temporary access on an unnamed dirt road that provides secondary service access to Selleck’s Woods are required for this project.  Selleck’s Woods is a public recreational park that is maintained by a private non-profit organization on behalf of the Darien Parks and Recreation Commission.   The park is used for recreational activities such as hiking and walking. Therefore the park is protected under Section 4(f) of the DOT Act.  The required temporary easements will automatically terminate upon completion of the bridge maintenance work unless sooner released by the State.  

The temporary easements taken will be restored by restoring the gravel road area if damaged by this work and grading and seeding the grass area.  The first easement area totals 3526 square feet while the second easement area totals 1381 square feet for a total combined area of 4907 square feet.     

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: January 11, 2008 

Any person can ask the sponsoring agency to hold a Public Meeting by sending such a request to the address below.  If a meeting is requested by 25 or more individuals, or by an association that represents 25 or more members, the sponsoring agency shall schedule a Public Meeting.

Written comments and/or requests for a Public Meeting should be sent to:

Mr. Jay Young

State of Connecticut Department of Transportation

2800 Berlin Turnpike

Newington, CT 06131

Fax 860-594-2926

Email D.Jay.Young@po.state.ct.us

If you have questions about the public meeting, or other questions about the Section 4(f) impacts of this project, contact:

Mr. Keith T. Hall – Transportation Supervising Planner

State of Connecticut Department of Transportation

2800 Berlin Turnpike

Newington, CT 06131

Fax 860-594-2926

Email Keith.Hall@po.state.ct.us