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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?
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
Drilling activities for the new structure foundations are complete. Construction of the remaining foundation on the north side of the Fort Point Street railroad bridge will begin in fall 2024.
Underground Line Construction
Construction for the new underground lines began April 1, 2024. We anticipate the underground line work to be complete in fall 2024.
Horizontal Directional Drilling
A method called horizontal directional drilling (HDD) will be used to install the new electric lines beneath the Norwalk River and boat launch parking lot at Veteran’s Memorial Park. The HDD will occur between Washington St (Rt. 136) near the entrance to the park and at the existing construction area located at 90 Water Street.
The HDD process involves drilling a small tunnel along a pre-determined path beneath the river. The tunnel is then enlarged using increasingly larger drill heads until the tunnel is wide enough to install pipes that will house the new electric lines. These pipes, called pipe strings, are long flexible pipes that will be placed around the perimeter of Veteran’s Memorial Park along Rt. 136 and Seaview Ave before they can be pulled through underground. We anticipate the pipe-pulling process to occur for a few days in mid-November and again in mid-December of 2024.
The HDD phase is expected to begin in early October and be complete by the end of December. Please note: Veteran’s Memorial Park will remain open. The Rt. 136 entrance of Veteran’s Memorial Park will be closed for the duration of the HDD phase of this project. Access via the Seaview Ave entrance will be maintained.
Week of October 14
Veteran’s Memorial Park
Construction activities for HDD will take place within the park in the vicinity of the Rt.136 entrance. To facilitate this work the Rt.136 entrance to the park will be closed. The Seaview Ave entrance to the park will remain open.
Washington Street (Rt. 136) near the entrance of Veteran’s Memorial Park
Construction activities for HDD will continue. Typical work hours will be 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Two-way traffic will be maintained, travel lanes will be reduced near the work area.
Seaview Avenue
Construction activities to support HDD, including staging of equipment and material, will occur along the perimeter of Veteran’s Memorial Park on Seaview Ave. Typical work hours will be 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Seaview Ave. Intermittent traffic controls and sidewalk detours will be implemented as needed.
90 Water Street
Construction activities for the HDD work will continue at 90 Water Street. Typical work hours will occur Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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.