Norwalk Gets More Time for Walk Bridge Study: State Sen. Duff

NORWALK, CT — The city has recently a few extra weeks time from the state to complete its Environmental Assessment of the Walk Bridge project, state Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) announced.

A public hearing, originally scheduled for October, will now be held in mid-November, with the public comment period closing approximately two weeks later, according the state Department of Transportation.

“The Walk Bridge is an important project for our region’s transportation system and it is important that the City, residents, businesses and other stakeholders have an opportunity to study, understand and weigh-in on the project and its proposed impact,” said Duff in a statement. “I want to thank Commissioner Redeker and the Department of Transportation their assistance and responsiveness on this issue.”

The DOT is undertaking the Walk Bridge project to address the deteriorating railroad bridge over the Norwalk River in Norwalk. As one of the oldest movable bridges in the country, the Walk Bridge is a critical transportation link on the Northeast Corridor between Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston carrying four tracks of Metro-North Railroad, Amtrak and freight service.

“I want to thank Senator Duff for his hard work and for taking the initiative in contacting the DOT on the City’s behalf,” said Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling in a statement. “I am very pleased that Commissioner Redeker has heard this request and granted the extension. It is critically important that we thoroughly examine and review the impact analysis and respond appropriately. Additionally, this extension will allow the public and other stakeholders more time to evaluate the proposal.”

“We want to ensure that everyone has ample opportunity to comment on the Environmental Assessment and voice their opinions on this very complex project,” said CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker. “We have tried to listen to all stakeholders and found the request to postpone the public hearing and extend the comment period very reasonable.”

The City of Norwalk sought an extension due to the nature and complexities of filing the environmental impact reports the City of Norwalk will need to hire an outside environmental professional and possibly outside legal counsel to assist and advise the City during the review process.

A new date for the public hearing and the closing date for comments will be announced shortly.

Comments may be emailed to info@walkbridgect.com, through the project website at www.walkbridgect.com or in writing to:

Mr. Mark W. Alexander

Transportation Assistant

Planning Director

2800 Berlin Turnpike,

Newington, CT, 06111

Photo credit: City of Norwalk