CTDOT selects Cianbro-Middlesex JV for two Walk Bridge Program projects

Written by Maggie Lancaster, assistant editor
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Connecticut Department of Transportation

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has selected Cianbro-Middlesex Joint Venture for the CP243 Interlocking and Danbury Branch Dockyard projects in Norwalk.

The $237-million contract is the first that CTDOT has awarded under the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) alternative contracting method. CTDOT notes that the CM/GC process encourages innovation, leads to schedule certainty and reduces risk during the construction phase. Further, the contract value is a negotiated price that is verified against an independent cost estimate prepared by a professional estimating firm.

The Cianbro-Middlesex team is now establishing work areas located close to the railroad tracks at the end of Goldstein Place and in the parking lot of 10 Norden Place. Construction is expected to begin in late September and continue for three years.

Both projects are part of the Walk Bridge Program, but independent of the replacement of the 121-year old Walk Railroad Bridge over the Norwalk River. The two projects are designed to improve the dependability of operations on the main line during construction of the new bridge. The sequencing of the work will allow for continuous use of two of the four tracks running through that section of the New Haven Line.

The CP243 Interlocking project includes the construction of a new four-track interlocking. The new interlocking will be approximately 2,200 feet long and is located on the New Haven Line between East Norwalk and Westport and approximately 1.5 miles east of the Walk Bridge.

The Danbury Branch Dockyard project will improve and electrify the southern portion of the 24-mile branch line, from where it splits from the main line to approximately one mile north. The dockyard project consists of rail improvements from the wye of the mainline near Washington Street to the crossing at Jennings Place. These improvements, which include two new track sidings, track replacement/realignment, signal work and catenary system enhancements, will allow commuter trains that start or end in Norwalk to turn, or switch direction of service.

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