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Norwalk Bridge Transmission Relocation Project
Why Did We Do This Project?
Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is 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 relocated and energized the two electric transmission lines that span the top of the bridge. This work was necessary to help keep the power flowing in Norwalk.
Where Was The Work Done?
We worked closely with Norwalk officials, CTDOT and other stakeholders since 2016 to develop a route that meets all required electrical reliability standards, limits environmental and community impacts, and could be built at a reasonable cost. Several potential routes for the relocation of the lines were reviewed.
Project construction was completed and placed in-service in May 2025 and included transitioning the two existing overhead transmission lines to underground near the Norwalk Police Department. The lines continue beneath the police station parking lot and down Elizabeth Street, to an area off Water Street.
From Water Street, the lines continue 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 continue beneath Fort Point Street and 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 were installed near the railroad corridor in the vicinity of the Norwalk Police Station and the Fort Point Street bridge.
When Was The Work 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: May 2025
- Complete restoration: By the end of September 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
Construction of the overhead electric lines and new steel monopole structures completed in May 2025.
Underground Line Construction
Construction for the new underground lines began in April 2024. The underground line work and cable installation were completed in March 2025.
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Horizontal directional drilling beneath the Norwalk River and boat launch parking lot at Veteran’s Memorial Park was completed in January 2025.
Week of August 3
Water Street
Milling and paving will take begin on Water Street near the intersection of Elizabeth Street, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday through Thursday (we expect one to two nights to complete this work). Water Street will be closed for southbound traffic and detoured via Haviland Street, South Main Street and Hanford Place. Northbound traffic will be maintained. Elizabeth Steet will remain open for local traffic; the intersection of Water Street will be closed and detoured via Day Street. See detour plan below:
Elizabeth Street
Milling and paving will begin on Water Street near the intersection of Elizabeth Street. This work will occur from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Elizabeth Street will remain open for local traffic; the intersection of Water Street will be closed and detoured via Day Street (see detour plan above).
Fort Point Street
Between Veteran’s Memorial Park, Seaview Avenue and Van Zant Street, milling and paving will begin. This work will occur from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. At times, the Fort Point Street entrance to Veteran’s Memorial Park will be closed; the Seaview Avenue entrance will remain open.
Between Van Zant Street and South Smith Street, and Moore Place and Fort Point Street, milling and paving will begin with a road closure under the railroad bridge. This work will occur from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. During these work hours, traffic will be detoured (see detour plan below).
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.