UPDATE Sept 5, 2016: Though neighbors were told “too bad, don’t care” months ago, the recently revealed and hotly debated Metro North Walk Bridge project, between East and South Norwalk, seems obviously linked to East Avenue Lowering and Widening, perhaps more than residents are being told. There is no real reason for lowering East Ave so extensively, at a huge cost and against resident wishes — so with the Walk Bridge 5-year-to-accomplish, 1 billion dollar Metro North construction plan just half a mile away on the same timeline, it makes residents wonder.
MARCH 7 – Though residents got the support of elected representatives, who told CONNDOT that our request was valid, Commissioner Redeker simply said “no” – our concerns aren’t sufficient in his opinion. He has dismissed the voices of residents AND our representatives. His letter is shown on this site below. We would hope he reconsider, in light of all the hard work of elected representatives who spent time talking with residents, coming to meetings at night, analyzing all the information, and who took the time to understand the reality of life for residents around East Avenue, and who took time to hear much better ideas than a 14-3″ clearance.
We encourage you to write to Commissioner Redeker, or call his office. 860-594-2000. Email: james.redeker@ct.gov
See article: NoN article Redeker response
(Below, previous post Jan 27, 2016)
A large crowd of East Norwalk neighbors voiced extreme opposition to the East Avenue project at a meeting at City Hall last week. We’re now getting support from some common council members — But the decision gets made by the CT DOT.
We residents have to take the “height fight” to our state legislators. If you care about your quality of life in neighborhoods abutting East Avenue, then please take action!
Contact state legislators and important contacts (all contact info below).
Tell your legislators (links below) to make DOT revise the plan to keep our 12’-2” low clearance, or at least keep it under 13’-6” — to deter tractor-trailers (big rigs) from our walkable neighborhoods.
What’s the problem with the plan?
Residents don’t want the proposed East Avenue project to include way too much clearance under the rail bridge. The plan to increase clearance will attract big-rig trucks to use East Avenue as a work-around when I95 gets jammed up near Exits 15-16-17. This stretch of I95 is frequently clogged, and it’s going to get worse with the mall construction at Exit 15.The plan will bring heavy traffic looking for alternate routes. Big-rig trucks will no longer feel compelled to stay on i95, if they can get under the East Ave rail bridge and onto RT 136 with ease.
Big-rigs are 13-6”. They can’t get under our current 12’-2” bridge, so they rarely come down East Ave.
The DOT says East Norwalk must give 14’-3” clearance at the East Ave rail bridge. DOT says they need huge clearance because it’s a “state standard.” But that standard is only being forced on East Norwalk! DARIEN AND WESTPORT don’t have to meet the same standard with their bridges! Darien WON their fight against 14’-3”, and got the low clearance they wanted, on Route 1. They got 11’-3” under their rail bridge. That’s a whole yard less than 14’-3”.
The clock is ticking on a vote Feb 2nd. The plan for East Ave includes adding a street light at Ft. Point, along with major construction to lower a huge stretch of East Ave.
EMAIL OR CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES NOW. (below)
If you want to learn more, and see photos, please visit www.gatewayeastnorwalk.com
PLEASE EMAIL OR CALL THE CONTACTS BELOW TO VOICE YOUR CONCERNS.
FIGHT THE EXCESSIVE CLEARANCE AND EXCESSIVE ROAD LOWERING OF EAST AVENUE.
You can contact Norwalk decision-makers directly about the East Avenue widening/lowering projects:
Email all Common Council Members
Email District C Council Members John Kydes and Michelle Maggio
Email Mayor Harry Rilling
Contact Governor Malloy
Contact Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman
Norwalk State Legislators*
Contact State Representative Bruce Morris – (203) 979-9261
Contact State Representative Fred Wilms – (800) 842-1423
Contact Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff – (203) 840-1333
Contact State Representative Chris Perone – (203) 840-1643
Contact State Representative Gail Lavielle – (800) 842-1423
Contact State Representative Terrie Wood – (800) 842-1423
Contact the MTA
Contact Connecticut State Department of Transportation
*some also represent sections of Darien, New Canaan, Wilton, Westport
