Contractor wins daytime closure extension for Walkbridge work after crews found unexpected subsurface conflicts

Contractors asked the Norwalk Traffic Authority on Jan. 26 to extend a daytime traffic closure on 4 Point Street through April 3 to finish geotechnical and subsurface work associated with the Walkbridge project.

Jeffrey Bird, a contractor representative, told the authority the work involves permeation grouting to stabilize loose sandy soils supporting a retaining wall and the bridge substructure. "This request would be to extend the daytime portion … through to April 3," he said, explaining that crews encountered unforeseen drainage structures and geotechnical conditions that increased borehole time and slowed production. He added that continuing with daytime work now avoids a schedule slip that could push contract completion into early June.

The project team presented two scenarios: the approved extension (scenario 1) that permits daytime and nighttime work to continue through April 3, and scenario 2 that would limit work to nights only and lengthen the construction schedule and its impacts. Project representatives said they have fielded few formal complaints to a project welcome center and are prepared to adjust operations for weather events.

Commissioners questioned the current shift schedule, how the detours would operate, and how confident the team was in the April 3 date; staff said they are working Monday–Friday shifts and that completion remains weather-dependent but achievable. "We have a high level of confidence that we'll be able to complete this work by April 3," a project representative said. The authority voted unanimously to grant the extension.

Next steps: the project team will continue public information work through its welcome center and report progress to staff; the authority noted that truck traffic will continue to use the underpass so heavy vehicles avoid long detours.