Connecticut State Council on Environmental Quality

1. Notice of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) for Route 7 / Route 15 Interchange 

Address of Possible Project Location: The proposed project is located in the northern portion of Norwalk at the interchange of Routes 7 and 15 (Interchange 39) and includes the interchange of Route 15 and Main Avenue (Interchange 40); Route 719 (Main Avenue); and Glover Avenue/Creeping Hemlock Drive in the vicinity of Main Avenue. The proposed limits of construction extend along Route 15 from approximately 0.5 miles west of Route 7 to approximately 0.5 miles east of Main Avenue and along Route 7 from approximately 0.5 miles south to approximately 0.5 miles north of Route 15. 

Municipality where proposed action is to be located: Norwalk

Project Description: The proposed project will address the missing connections on the existing Route 15 and Route 7 interchange and would consequently improve the mobility for motorists at the following locations:

  • Southbound Route 15 to northbound Route 7
  • Southbound Route 15 to southbound Route 7
  • Northbound Route 7 to northbound Route 15
  • Southbound Route 7 to northbound Route 15

Additionally, improvements to the Route 15 and Main Avenue ramps will address the substandard acceleration lanes, steep changes in grade, sharp curves, and limited sight distance. These factors contribute to a high number of crashes on the Merritt Parkway. 

Project Map: Click here to view a map of the project area.

Scoping Notice and Post Scoping Notice: The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) published a Scoping Notice on October 3, 2017, and a Post-Scoping Notice on June 16, 2020, for the proposed project in the Environmental Monitor.

Comments on this EIE will be accepted until the close of business on: August 31, 2023

The public can view a copy of this EIE on the project website at www.7-15norwalk.com or on CTDOT's Environmental Document's page by clicking here. The document is also available in hardcopy at the following locations:

  • CTDOT, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
  • FHWA CT Division Office, 450 Main Street, Suite 612, Hartford, CT 06103
  • CT State Library 231 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
  • Norwalk City Hall (City Clerk Office), 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851
  • Norwalk Public Library (Main Branch), 1 Belden Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850
  • Norwalk Public Library (South Norwalk Branch), 10 Washington Street, Norwalk, CT 06854
  • Western CT Council of Governments, 1 Riverside Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482

Other information: Since the project involves Federal funding through FHWA, the project must also comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Therefore, the document is a joint NEPA/CEPA Environmental Assessment (EA)/ EIE. Additional project information is available on the project website: www.7-15norwalk.com. 

There is a public hearing scheduled for this EIE on: 

DATE: August 16, 2023

TIME: Open House at 6:00 p.m. Hearing to begin at 7:00 p.m.

PLACE: Norwalk City Hall, Community Room, 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851

NOTES: The hearing location is ADA accessible. Persons needing ADA accommodations or language assistance, including American Sign Language, may contact CTDOT's Language Assistance Call Line at (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least 5 business days prior to the hearing. ADA accommodations and/or language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance. Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS).  

Send your written questions or comments (E-Mail preferred) about this EIE to:

Name: Mr. Kevin F. Carifa, Transportation Planning Director

Agency: CT Department of Transportation, Bureau of Policy and Planning

Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131

E-Mail: comments@7-15norwalk.com 

 

What happens next: The CTDOT will review the comments received and may conduct further environmental study and analysis or amend the evaluation. The CTDOT will prepare responses to the substantive issues raised in review of and comment on the EIE and any supplemental materials or amendments. Those responses and all supplemental materials and comments shall be made available in a "Record of Decision" which will appear in the Environmental Monitor for public inspection.