Information on this page is for customers in
{{ town-name }}
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
In early March, foundation drilling began on the north side of the Fort Point Street railroad bridge, between South Smith Street and Moore Place. The concrete foundation is necessary to support the installation of a new steel monopole structure that will support the overhead electric lines.
Traffic detours will be implemented as needed. We expect this work to be complete by the end of March.
Underground Line Construction
Construction for the new underground lines began in April 2024. We anticipate the underground line work and cable pulling activities to be complete by spring 2025.
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
A method called horizontal directional drilling was used to install the new electric lines beneath the Norwalk River and boat launch parking lot at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
The HDD process involves drilling a small tunnel along a predetermined 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.
The HDD phase began in early October and was completed in January 2025.
Week of March 23
Fort Point Street near the railroad bridge, between South Smith Street and Moore Place
Construction activities for the new concrete foundation will continue on the north side of the Fort Point Street railroad bridge. A single-lane closure will be maintained; southbound traffic will be detoured via Reynolds Street and South Smith Street.
90 Water Street
Construction activities will continue at 90 Water Street. Typical work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
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.