Norwalk approves bid authorization step to advance two West Rocks Road sidewalk projects covering about 2 miles

The Economic and Community Development Committee on March 17 authorized the mayor to accept funding and execute documents necessary to advance sidewalk and pedestrian-safety improvements along the West Rocks Road corridor under state project numbers 102-365 and 102-374.

Greg (TMP staff) said the two projects are being bid as a single package. One project (102-365) is part of a local road accident reduction program and the other (102-374) is a federal earmark secured through congressional directed spending by Congressman Jim Himes. Together the corridor work covers approximately two miles from Adams Avenue to Creeping Hemlock Drive and focuses on sidewalks, raised crosswalks, ADA-compliant crossings, rectangular rapid flashing beacons and speed sign flashing beacons to address speeding, particularly in school zones.

Greg told committee members the corridor includes three schools—Winston Prep, West Rocks Middle School and "Allstate's Catholic School" as identified in the meeting record—and staff said there are minimal existing compliant crossings. He said the city held a public meeting on the scope last August, incorporated community feedback into the DOT submission and expects an authorization to advertise from DOT in March, with bidding targeted by March and construction to begin once school is out for the summer.

Council member Jalen Seed moved the authorization. Several council members spoke about long delays between funding pledges and construction; one council member noted the funds were secured by Congressman Himes three years earlier and urged faster delivery. The motion passed unanimously. Staff indicated DOT will administer the federal grants and the city intends to bid the combined package by March and start construction in summer 2025, subject to DOT authorization.