CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: August 30, 2017

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

CTDOT to Hold Public Meeting on Walk Bridge Replacement & Upcoming Rail Projects

              Construction Details of the Two Rail Projects Starting this Fall will be Provided   

   
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will hold a Public Information Meeting at Norwalk City Hall on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 5:30 PM. The meeting will provide an update on the environmental and design phases of the Walk Bridge Replacement Project and a construction overview of the CP243 Interlocking and Danbury Branch Dockyard Projects.

An open house session will be held from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, providing attendees the opportunity to speak one-on-one with representatives of Walk Bridge Program. A presentation will start promptly at 6:30 PM and will provide information on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)/Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) determinations and the advancement of the design for the Walk Bridge Replacement Project. In addition, information will be presented on the construction of the CP243 Interlocking and Danbury Branch Dockyard Projects.

The Federal Transit Administration issued a Finding of No Significant Impact for the Walk Bridge Replacement Project under the NEPA on July 17, 2017, and a Record of Decision under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act CEPA on July 6, 2017. The NEPA/CEPA determinations allow the Walk Bridge Replacement Project to move forward in the design of the selected alternative, a 240’ Vertical Lift Span Bridge. This design offers benefits such as the shortest construction duration, the least disruption to rail and marine traffic and the least impact to the environment, including the local community. 

The CP243 Interlocking Project is located on the New Haven Line between the East Norwalk and Westport Train Stations. CP refers to the control point, 2 refers to the New Haven Commuter Line and 43 is in reference to the nearest mile post on the rail line, marked from Grand Central Station in New York City. This project includes the construction of a new four-track interlocking which is a powered switch and signal system that allows trains to move from one track to another.

The Danbury Branch Dockyard Project will improve and electrify the southern portion of the 24-mile branch line, from where it splits from the main line to approximately one mile north, to the area commonly referred to as the Dockyard. The Dockyard is where trains are stored and staged when not in use on the mainline, located near Science Road and Interstate I-95. These improvements will allow commuter trains that begin or end in Norwalk to turn, or switch direction.

The Walk Bridge Program is in the process of developing mitigation plans to address community concerns and to minimize impacts during construction of the Projects. The plans will be developed and updated in close coordination with the City of Norwalk, the business community, residents and other affected parties. The Program is committed to on-going coordination and communication throughout construction to proactively address any community concerns.

More detailed information on the Walk Bridge Program and the NEPA/CEPA determinations are available online at www.walkbridgect.com.