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Council authorizes MLK Corridor staircase work and rail‑spur/berm removal to prep for new roundabout by Ruby Shaw (Sono) School
Summary
Norwalk Council authorized contracts with BMW Paving & Landscaping and Avedi Excavators to rebuild and light a staircase on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and to remove a rail spur/berm on South Main Street as phase 1 for a planned roundabout near the new Ruby Shaw (Sono) elementary school; a community meeting is set for Feb. 2.
The Norwalk City Council authorized two transportation contracts at its Jan. 13 meeting aimed at pedestrian safety and preparing for a future roundabout outside the new Ruby Shaw (Sono) elementary school.
The council authorized Mayor Barbara C. Smith to execute an agreement with BMW Paving & Landscaping LLC for up to $437,115 for pedestrian access enhancements on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive at Hamilton Avenue (TMP2025-5) and authorized the director of transportation to issue orders on the contract for an additional $43,711. Director of Transportation, Mobility and Parking Jim Travers described plans to move the existing staircase slightly back from the road to create a larger plaza for pedestrians, add continuous lighting from ground level to the top, and improve connections to nearby sidewalks. Travers said the project is part of the broader MLK Corridor grant-funded initiative and that staff hope to complete the work by the end of the year.
The council also authorized the mayor to execute an agreement with Avedi Excavators LLC for up to $849,497 for TMP2025-6 South Main Street rail-spur and berm removal, plus a related order for $84,949.70. Officials said removing the concrete wall and berm in phase 1 will immediately improve sight lines at a difficult intersection and set up phase 2, when the city plans to build a modern roundabout to further improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Travers said the plan is to schedule the most disruptive roundabout work when school is not in session to reduce impacts on students and families.
Council members noted that the project package combines city capital dollars, state funding and a community investment fund; the transcript records officials thanking Senator Duff for assistance securing state funds. The administration scheduled a community meeting to discuss the phase‑1 work and the roundabout design on Feb. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Sono School (public outreach materials to be circulated to council and residents).
Both authorizations were presented as items in the economic and community development section and were approved by the council at the meeting.
