1. Notice of EIE for Norwalk River Railroad Bridge (Walk Bridge) Replacement

Municipality where project is proposed: Norwalk, Connecticut

Address of Possible Project Location: New Haven Line Railroad Bridge (Walk Bridge), Bridge No. 42.88R; Mile Post (MP) 41.5 on the New Haven Line, Norwalk River, Norwalk, CT

Project Description: In cooperation with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) proposes to replace the Walk Bridge over the Norwalk River in South Norwalk.  The purpose of the project is to restore or replace the existing deteriorated bridge with a resilient bridge structure which will enhance the safety and reliability of rail service; offer operational flexibility and ease of maintenance; and provide for increased capacity and efficiencies of rail transportation along the New Haven Line/Northeast Corridor, while maintaining or improving navigational capacity and dependability for marine traffic in the Norwalk River.  Upgrades to the Walk Bridge, through rehabilitation or replacement, are needed to increase bridge reliability, incorporate bridge redundancy, and provide a sustainable bridge for significant weather events, thereby accommodating current and future rail and marine traffic.   

The proposed project includes railroad approaches from the east and west, totaling approximately one-half-track-mile.  Track, catenary, and signal work will be accomplished within the existing state right-of-way, and will extend from approximately the Washington Street Bridge in South Norwalk (Bridge No. 36.93R; MP 41.28) to approximately 300 feet east of the Fort Point Street Bridge in East Norwalk. The Fort Point Street Bridge (Bridge No. 41.31; MP 41.79) will be replaced as part of the project.

Multiple design variations within four groups of alternatives were investigated: No Build, Rehabilitation, Replacement (Movable Bridge), and Replacement (Fixed Bridge).  The Department held multiple meetings with public agencies and project stakeholders, including the public, to identify concerns and requirements for the replacement bridge design and to obtain public and agency input.  With input from those meetings,  the Department determined that the Replacement Alternative (Movable Bridge) would be evaluated in the document and would include the options for a bascule bridge and a vertical lift bridge.  The Department has determined that a Long Span Vertical Lift Bridge is the Preferred Alternative. 

Since this project involves Federal funding, the environmental document is a joint Environmental Assessment (EA)/Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) to satisfy both the National Environmental Policy Act and the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act.    

There is a new date for comments on this EA/EIE. Comments will be accepted until the close of business on: Friday, December 9, 2016.  The Department will consider all oral and written comments received during the comment period.

A Public Informational Meeting has been scheduled to discuss the evaluation of the various structure type alternatives - Fixed Bridge Alternatives, Movable Bridge Alternatives, and Rehabilitation.  This meeting will take place on Monday, December 5, 2016 at the IMAX theater, 10 N. Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854.  An open forum will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the presentation starting at 6:30 p.m.      

The public can view a copy of this EA/EIE at: The Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau of Policy and Planning (Room 2155), 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT; Norwalk City Hall, Town Clerk Office, 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT; Norwalk Public Library, 1 Beldon Avenue, Norwalk, CT; East Norwalk Association Library, 51 Van Zant Street, Norwalk, CT; South Norwalk Branch Library, 10 Washington Street, Norwalk, CT; and the Western CT Council of Governments, 1 Riverside Road, Sandy Hook, CT. 

Additionally, the public can view a copy of the project map, the proposed project alternatives, and a copy of the EA/EIE online at: www.walkbridgect.com/environmental

It is also available online at: www.ct.gov/environmentaldocuments

There is a new date for the public hearing for this EA/EIE:

Additional information about this project can be found online at: www.walkbridgect.com

Send your comments about this EA/EIE to:

Name:  Mr. Mark W. Alexander, Transportation Assistant Planning Director Agency:Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau of Policy and Planning

Address:2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Connecticut, 06131

E-Mail:info@walkbridgect.com

Please use the subject heading "Walk Bridge Project" for any comments

If you have questions about the public hearing, or where you can review this EA/EIE, or similar matters, please contact:

Name:	Ms. Heather Cwikla
Agency:	WSP / Parsons Brinckerhoff
Address:	424 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06511
E-Mail:	info@walkbridgect.com
Phone:	(203) 785-0456 ext.137