Connecticut State Council on Environmental Quality

1. Record of Decision for Route 7 and Route 15 Interchange Project

Address of Possible Project Location: The 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.

Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) Determination: On July 18, 2023, the Connecticut Department of Transportation published a Notice of Availability of an Environmental Impact Evaluation, (EIE) in accordance with Section 22a-1d of CEPA, in the Environmental Monitor. CTDOT held a public hearing on August 16, 2023, at Norwalk City Hall.

Comments were received from the general public and from the following agencies and organizations:

  • Friends of the Norwalk River Valley Trail
  • CT Council on Environmental Quality 
  • CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
  • Norwalk River Watershed Association, Inc.
  • Western CT Council of Governments
  • Preservation Connecticut
  • CT State Historic Preservation Office
  • US Environmental Protection Agency

CTDOT has prepared responses to the substantive issues raised in the comments on the EIE and on supplemental materials or amendments. CTDOT's conclusion, including the comments received and responses, is documented in the Record of Decision for the proposed action. 

 

Agency contact:

Name: Mr. Kevin Fleming, Transportation Supervising Planner

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

Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131

Phone: 860-594-2924

E-Mail: Kevin.Fleming@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 CTDOT has submitted the Record of Decision to the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) for review. Notice of OPM's determination regarding the Record of Decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.