3. Notice of Scoping for Replacement of Bridge No. 04152, West Cedar Street over Five Mile River
Address of possible location: West Cedar Street over Five Mile River approximately 800 feet west of Richards Avenue
Municipality where proposed action might be located: Norwalk
Project Description: Bridge No. 04152 is a single span structure that was constructed in 1910 and is comprised of a stone masonry arch supported by stone masonry abutments. The total structure length and width measure 28 feet and 22 feet, respectively. The bridge roadway has a curb-to-curb width of 19 feet, and an approach width of 19 feet. The bridge and approach roadways provide for two narrow lanes (one in each direction) of vehicular traffic. There are no shoulders on either side, and there are no pavement markings spanning the bridge. A pedestrian walkway structure comprised of timber decking on steel beams supported by extensions of the bridge stone masonry substructure abuts the southerly bridge fascia.
The bridge is functionally obsolete due to its Deck Geometry Appraisal Rating and its Approach Roadway Alignment Appraisal Rating. Given the relatively high Average Daily Traffic of 4,728 (2016 data), a 28-foot clear bridge roadway width is required to satisfy minimum functional sufficiency criteria for Deck Geometry rating. The functionally obsolete Deck Geometry rating precipitates the functionally obsolete Approach Roadway Alignment rating because the narrow bridge creates a significant reduction in vehicle operating speed from that which is characteristic of West Cedar Street. The bridge is also vulnerable to scour, which is evidenced by the presence of localized scour holes that have exposed the abutment footings.
Based on the functional obsolescence and scour critical classification of the existing bridge, the project involves a full replacement of the structure. It is anticipated that the proposed replacement bridge will be a clear span structure of a curb-to-curb width that satisfies minimum functional sufficiency criteria and current geometric design standards. It is likely that the new bridge will also accommodate an inboard sidewalk along the south side as opposed to the present separate sidewalk structure configuration.
The existing bridge is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office (CTSHPO) has determined that its replacement will result in an Adverse Effect to historic properties under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. CTDOT will work with CTSHPO to develop the mitigation measures required for the impact to the bridge.
Project Map: Click here to view a map of the project area.
Project Photographs: Click here to view photographs of the Bridge.
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: Friday, June 18, 2021
Any person may ask the sponsoring agency to hold a Public Scoping Meeting by sending such a request to the contact 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 Scoping Meeting. Such requests must be made by Friday, May 28, 2021.
A Virtual Public Information Meeting was held on Wednesday, October 14, 2020. Meeting Minutes can be viewed by Clicking Here.
Written comments and/or requests for a public scoping meeting (E-mail preferred) should be sent to:
Name: Kevin Fleming, Transportation Planner
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Office of Environmental Planning
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
E-Mail: dot.EnvironmentalPlanning@ct.gov
If you have questions about this project, contact (E-Mail preferred):
Name: Marc Byrnes, P.E., Project Engineer
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Division of Bridges
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
Phone: 860-594-3489
E-Mail: Marc.Byrnes@ct.gov
Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring state agency:
Name: Ms. Alice M. Sexton
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Office of Legal Services
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
E-Mail: Alice.Sexton@ct.gov
What Happens Next: The sponsoring agency will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.