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

FOR RELEASE: February 20, 2009

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

---

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) will conduct a Public Information Meeting concerning the Replacement of the Metro North Railroad Bridge Over East Avenue and Reconstruction of East Avenue from approximately 60 feet south of Rowan Street to the intersection of East Ave. at John St./Raymond Terrace in Norwalk, CT.   The meeting has been rescheduled and will now be held on Tuesday March 17,2009  at the Norwalk City Hall. 125 East Ave., Norwalk, CT at 7:00pm

STATE PROJECT NO.170-1375
The existing through-girder bridge carrying the four Metro-North Railroad tracks over East Avenue is proposed to be replaced with a new bridge that will provide a vertical clearance of 14’-3” and a clear distance between the abutment faces of 58’-0”. During construction the temporary minimum vertical clearance will be 11’-3” until the roadway is lowered to its final profile. 

There are no right of way impacts associated with the bridge project. Based on preliminary assessment the replacement of the bridge is estimated to cost $11,500,000. 

STATE PROJECT NO. 102-297
The East Avenue  project will reconstruct  approximately 1,625 linear feet of roadway to a uniform width of 48 feet (with 4-11’lanes and 2-2’ shoulders) from approximately 65 feet south of Rowan Street and extending northerly to the intersection of East Avenue at John Street / Raymond Terrace.  The project will include sidewalks, retaining walls, drainage improvements and modifications to existing traffic signals. Also included within the scope of this project is the installation of a drainage trunk-line beginning from about the southerly project terminus and extending along Gregory Boulevard for approximately 740 linear feet to be connected to a 6’x 8’concrete box culvert located at Cemetery Road. 

There are several right of way impacts associated with this project. Based on the preliminary assessment, the construction costs  are approximately $8,000,000. Advertising is anticipated for 2011 for the two projects.

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.  ConnDOT personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss this project.  More detailed information is available at ConnDOT's Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Connecticut, during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.  Plans are available for public review at Norwalk City Hall in the Department of Public Works.