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

FOR RELEASE: October 6, 2015

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

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The Connecticut Department of Transportation's (Department) Office of Engineering is developing plans to permanently repair a retaining wall on Route 12 (North Main Street) in the City of Norwich.

The purpose of the project is to provide a permanent fix to the failed retaining wall located on Route 12 (North Main Street) in the City of Norwich, just north of Fifteenth Street. This project follows the temporary stabilization measures implemented by the Department’s maintenance forces.

 The project begins at the intersection with Central Avenue and extends for approximately
400-feet to the north.  The existing dry stacked stone retaining wall is approximately 14-feet to
17-feet tall and is situated along the east side of Route 12.  This wall supports the roadway,
on-street parking, and a concrete sidewalk. The existing wall abuts residential and commercial structures within the project limits. 

An Emergency Declaration was signed and executed on June 16, 2015 to address a retaining wall failure. The multi-family home situated at 665 North Main Street was compromised due to its proximity to the failed retaining wall. The existing tenants were relocated under the Emergency Declaration and the Department has acquired the property. The building is proposed to be demolished and a 2:1 slope is proposed to be installed to support the failing retaining wall.  There may be additional partial rights-of-way involvement on adjacent properties.  A portion of existing sidewalk would require replacement and a portion of the existing retaining wall may require modification for roadside safety purposes.

The present schedule indicates that the design will be completed in spring 2016, with construction anticipated to start in autumn 2016, assuming acceptance of the project, availability of funding and receipt of any required right-of-way. This project will be undertaken with state funds.

It is the Department's policy to keep the public informed and involved when such projects are undertaken. It is important that the community share its concerns with us to assist in the project's development.  A public informational meeting may be conducted upon the completion of the preliminary design.  At this time, it is not anticipated that a formal public hearing will be necessary.

Anyone interested in receiving information on this project may do so by contacting Mr. William W. Britnell, Principal Engineer of Highway Design, at (860) 594-3274, or by e-mail at William.Britnell@ct.gov.  Please make reference to State Project Number 0103-0269.