Press Releases
08/05/2021
Virtual Public Information Meeting Concerning the Replacement of Retaining Walls and Slope Stabilization along US Route 44 in Norfolk
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a public information meeting concerning the proposed replacement of retaining walls and slope stabilization along US Route 44 in Norfolk, on Thursday, August 26, 2021. The formal presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. Refer to the project webpage for more detail: https://portal.ct.gov/DOTNorfolk97-95.
The project is identified as State Project No. 0097-0095.
The purpose of the project is to stabilize the northern slope along Route 44 for the safety of the highway. This project is needed because the integrity of the existing rubble masonry walls have been compromised and are therefore at risk of failure.
The proposed work includes replacing the three existing walls along Route 44 with two new retaining walls. The western wall will begin just east of Old Colony Road and will be approximately 490 feet long. The eastern wall will be approximately 1,130 feet long and will end just east of Blackberry Street. The heights of the wall will vary with decorative fencing along the top. The proposed walls will be finished to replicate the existing stone walls in the adjacent historic corridor. Full depth reconstruction of Route 44 is proposed within the project limits to remove the existing concrete pavement, as well as widening to accommodate 12-foot travel lanes and 5-foot shoulders, and a 6-foot buffer adjacent to the proposed walls.
There are right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements. Temporary construction easements are required along the back of the proposed wall. Permanent easements for sloping, drainage right-of-way, sight distance and guiderail are also required. Various rights to grade and to reconstruct driveways are also be required.
Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2024 based on the availability of funding, acquisition of rights-of-way and approval of permit(s). The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $ 17.1 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 80-percent federal funds and 20-percent state funds.
The public Informational Meeting is being held to afford a full opportunity for public participation and to allow open discussion of any views, comments, and questions the community and public may have concerning this proposed project. Persons with limited internet access may request that project information be mailed to them by contacting Salvatore Aresco by email at Salvatore.Aresco@ct.gov or by phone at (860) 594-3239. (Allow one week for processing and delivery).
Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling 1 (888) 566-5916 and entering the Participant Code when prompted: 9977843. Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). The MS Teams Live Event offers closed-captioning for the hearing impaired and non-English translation options. A recording of the formal presentation will be posted to YouTube following the event and closed-captioning (including non-English translation options) will be available at that time. The recording will also be available in the list of DOT virtual public meetings here: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/general/CTDOT-VPIM-Library.
Visit the project webpage for options for Apple users. During the Q&A session and the 14-day comment period that follows the meeting, individuals may leave a question or comment via e-mail (preferred) at DOTProject97-95@ct.gov. Individuals may also leave a voicemail question or comment by calling (860) 944-1111. Please reference the project in your voicemail.
Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department’s Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least 5 business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: 860-594-3003
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTDOTOfficial