The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will conduct an in-person public information meeting concerning a seawall rehabilitation along Route 154 at the Old Saybrook Middle School Auditorium, located at 60 Sheffield Street in Old Saybrook on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The meeting location is ADA accessible. An open house for individual discussions with CTDOT project staff will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by a formal design presentation at 7:00 p.m.
The purpose of the project is to install a sheet pile and concrete cap system along the remaining sections of seawall that were not previously rehabilitated or reconstructed to protect the seawall from continued erosion.
“This project will install a sheet pile and concrete cap system to protect the seawall from continued erosion,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Communications Director Josh Morgan. “We encourage the public to attend this meeting to share their feedback with the CTDOT project team to incorporate into the design.”
The public information meeting is being held to provide the public and local community the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the proposed project. A question and answer (Q&A) session will immediately follow the presentation. For instructions on accessing the meeting and ways to provide comments and ask questions, please visit portal.ct.gov/DOTOldSaybrook0105-0222.
There are right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements. Utility poles and stub poles along the southern side of Route 154 will need to be temporarily relocated to the northern side of Route 154 to avoid conflict with construction of the proposed toe protection along the seawall. These relocations require temporary construction easements on properties along the northern side of Route 154. The Knollwood Beach Association and the District of Fenwood properties will require construction easements for the installation of a temporary water-handling-cofferdam to facilitate construction and permanent slope easements for installation of the proposed toe protection.
Construction is anticipated to begin fall 2028 based on the availability of funding, acquisition of right(s)-of-way, and approval of permit(s). The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $20 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 80% federal funds and 20% state funds.
Individuals with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Individuals may also request that project information be mailed to them within one week by contacting Mr. Joshua L. McCoy, P.E., Project Manager at Joshua.McCoy@ct.gov or 860-594-3410.
Language assistance may be requested by contacting the CTDOT Language Assistance Call Line 860-594-2109. Requests should be made at least five 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.
Members of the public can submit comments and questions during the two-week public comment period following the meeting. Please submit comments and questions by November 19, 2026, to Mr. Joshua L. McCoy, P.E., Project Manager at Joshua.McCoy@ct.gov or 860- 594-3410. Please reference State Project No. 0105-0222 in the email or voicemail.