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Norwalk Bridge Transmission Relocation Project

Why Are We Doing This Project?

Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) is currently rebuilding the Walk Bridge (railroad bridge) that crosses the Norwalk River to ensure continued railroad operation along the vital Northeast rail corridor.

As part of this work, we must relocate and energize the two electric transmission lines that span the top of the bridge.

This work is necessary to help keep the power flowing in Norwalk.

Where Is The Work Being Done?

Norwalk-Bridge-Map

We have worked closely with Norwalk officials, CDOT and other stakeholders since 2016 to develop a route that meets all required electrical reliability standards, limits environmental and community impacts, and can be built at a reasonable cost. Several potential routes for the relocation of the lines were reviewed.

The project route includes transitioning the two existing overhead transmission lines to underground near the Norwalk Police Department. The lines will continue beneath the police station parking lot and down Elizabeth Street, to an area off Water Street.

From Water Street, the lines will be placed beneath the Norwalk River via Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) to an area on Fort Point Street near the entrance of Veteran’s Memorial Park.

The lines will continue beneath Fort Point Street where they will reconnect to the overhead lines along the railroad corridor in the vicinity of the Fort Point Street bridge.

To facilitate transitioning the overhead lines to underground, new steel monopole structures will be installed near the railroad corridor in the vicinity of the Norwalk Police Station and the Fort Point Street bridge.

When Is The Work Being Done?

  • CSC petition approval: May 26, 2023 (see filing PE1560)
  • File environmental permits with CT DEEP: June 2023
  • Advanced utility work: Completed as of November 2023
  • Begin transmission line construction: March 2024
  • Complete construction: Third quarter 2025
  • Complete restoration: By the end of 2025

About this project

  • Route length: Approximately 0.75 miles
  • Line voltage: 115,000 volt (115-kV) underground transmission lines
  • Siting review: Connecticut Siting Council
  • Environmental permitting: Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Construction Updates

Overhead Line Construction

Starting the week of March 11, drilling activities for the new structure foundations began and will continue through the end of April. Drilling activities are located near the Metro-North railroad corridor in the vicinity of Madison Street, the Norwalk Police Station and Fort Point Street.

Underground Line Construction

Pre-construction survey work, which includes performing test pits to confirm locations of existing underground utilities will occur over the next few weeks. These test pits will be performed at select locations along the underground route on South Main Street, Elizabeth Street and Water Street.

Construction for the new underground line is expected to begin this spring. The construction phases and locations of work will be updated routinely. Updates will be provided weekly once the work begins in the spring. 

Communication and Community Outreach

We have made a concerted effort to engage town officials, residents, businesses and other stakeholders to inform, answer questions and listen to concerns about the project, beginning with municipal briefings and community outreach efforts.

A public open house was held on November 13, 2018, at the Norwalk City Hall Community Room to share information about the project. Residents and businesses had an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.

Have Questions?

Keeping the lines of communication open is an important part of our work in your community.

For questions or more information about the project, please contact us at 1-800-793-2202 or ProjectInfo@eversource.com.