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Norwalk approves $395,895 contract to rebuild collapsed retaining wall on Lexington Avenue
Summary
The Public Works Committee authorized contracts to replace a long-failed retaining wall on Lexington Avenue with a precast modular form-liner alternative; staff said the wall is about 160 feet long and sections vary from 4 to 6 feet in height.
The Norwalk Public Works Committee on Oct. 7 authorized the city to award a contract for replacement of a collapsed retaining wall on Lexington Avenue that has blocked pedestrian access and posed a public-safety hazard.
The committee authorized Mayor Harry W. Rilling to execute an agreement with Kelowna Concrete Asphalt Paving LLC for Project STR2025-1, replacement of the Lexington Avenue retaining wall at 1119 and 1121 Snowden Street, for an amount not to exceed $395,895. The committee also authorized the Chief of Operations and Public Works to execute change orders on that contract up to $39,589.50. Both items were approved unanimously.
Why it matters: Staff described the site as an emergency priority: the existing wall partially collapsed about four years ago, leaving a substantial grade change between Lexington Avenue and the adjacent sidewalk and blocking pedestrian access. A new elementary school opened nearby this summer, increasing pedestrian volume in the area.
Project and procurement details: Paul Ostotnik, a project presenter, explained the city put two construction options out to bid: a cast-in-place concrete wall with stone facing and a precast modular form-liner (precast block) alternative. Paul and Chief Vanessa Valadero recommended the precast form-liner alternate as the more economical option given the excavation and anchoring required.
Staff provided illustrative samples of finishes and said the chosen form-liner can be stained to approximate natural stone. The wall is roughly 160 feet long, with two differing heights: about 4 feet in some sections and about 6 feet in another. Work requires deeper excavation and new footings to properly anchor to existing structures.
Timeline and property impacts: Vanessa Valadero said the city hopes to have a contract signed by the end of October and to begin work this year if weather and contractor scheduling allow; otherwise work will begin first thing in spring. Valadero emphasized the project will be performed partly on private property and that the homeowner’s input on final finish will be sought before the final selection of textures and colors.
Committee reaction: Members emphasized preserving neighborhood character. "I hope when we choose what the surface is going to look like that it at least maintains some of the character of some of the other stone structures along Lexington," said a committee member. Paul and Valadero said a range of textures and colors are available from manufacturers and that staff will consult the property owners.
Ending: The committee approved both the main contract and the authorized change-order amount and asked staff to keep the committee informed of schedule and aesthetic selections.
