Norwalk WPCA gives timeline for Beacon Street, Fort Point, Walk Bridge and Kidd Brook projects; short daytime disruptions expected

At the May 18 meeting, Norwalk Water Pollution Control staff provided progress updates and near-term schedules for several sewer construction and pump-station projects across the city.

Beacon Street sewer replacement: Staff reported 725 feet of 24-inch PVC installed to date and six new manholes set on the line. The project anticipates mobilizing into the East Avenue area in early June. Staff said initial daytime work will include test pits and temporary bypass piping across East Avenue, likely requiring one-lane closures for setup; after the bypass and test pits are complete, the contractor will switch primarily to nighttime installation for the critical manholes and the main gravity line crossing. Staff estimated roughly a three-week window for the bypass setup and immediate work; contractor identified in the meeting was CJ Fucci. Staff said they will hand-deliver notices to nearby businesses, deploy VMS signs and use social media to alert the public.

Walk Bridge / Fort Point Street sanitary sewer realignment: Staff described relocation of approximately 400 feet of clay gravity main as part of Walk Bridge realignment. A temporary bypass was installed in early May; staff said new 12-inch PVC installation began the prior week and the bypass will be activated when crews merge the new line to the existing system. Night work was emphasized for this operation.

Kidd Brook pump station replacement: Staff said the temporary bypass at Kidd Brook remains in operation and daily-maintained by Veolia while WPCA coordinates with FEMA and the insurer on an August 2024 storm-damage claim. Consultants Wright Pierce are working on redesign plans and Tighe & Bond on demolition and site civil design; preliminary documents were expected within about two weeks from the meeting date.

Other projects and coordination: Staff noted Brown and Caldwell is preparing bid documents for East Norwalk sewershed lining to issue by the end of summer, and Bettswood/Barbara/Walnut drainage improvements remain in design with multiple water-main conflicts being resolved; those projects are partially supported by grant applications discussed separately in the meeting.

Board members asked about access and disruptions to City Hall and adjacent businesses; staff said daytime impacts would be minimal (one lane at a time for test pits and bypass) and reiterated their notification plans once dates are finalized. Because the body lacked a quorum, no construction approvals or votes were conducted at the meeting.