Connecticut DOT begins construction of new Walk Bridge

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has started construction on the Norwalk River Railroad (Walk) Bridge replacement project in Norwalk, state officials announced last week.

Built in 1896, the Walk Bridge is a four-track railroad bridge that spans the Norwalk River and serves as a critical link on the Northeast Corridor. One of the oldest movable bridges in the region, it has shown its age in recent years by failing to close on occasion, which significantly disrupts travel on the New Haven Line, CTDOT officials said in a press release.

The new bridge will be a redundant structure with two independent, movable spans designed and built to be resilient in extreme weather events. When completed, a speed restriction over the bridge will be lifted, allowing for trains to travel at speeds 15 mph faster.

The $925 million construction project is 80% federally funded and 20% state funded. It is expected to be completed in 2029.