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Regional $5M-plus planning grant aims to advance Norwalk River Valley Trail design
Summary
WestCOG won a federal grant to fund a regional trail planning study—with the Norwalk River Valley Trail (Broad Street to Griswold) as the primary Norwalk component—and is asking the Norwalk Bikewalk Commission to help with public engagement while coordinating closely with DOT on the Route 7/15 interchange.
The Norwalk Bikewalk Commission heard on March 2 that the Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG) has secured what Ben Young described as "I think over $5 million in federal money" to study and advance regional trail design, with the Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT) the primary Norwalk component.
Ben Young, a TMP representative working on the project, told commissioners the WestCOG-funded initiative covers several corridors in western Connecticut, including the NRVT segment from Broad Street to Grisville in Norwalk. He said consultant Stantech (the project advisory team’s firm) will prepare detailed design alternatives and that some trail sections are further developed than others.
The project team is weighing multiple alignments through a heavily trafficked area where the NRVT must cross or pass the Route 7/15 interchange. Young said the commission’s earlier preference—routing part of the trail through an underused portion of the Metro-North Danbury rail bay—was discussed with rail operators, who did not favor that use. "Although that was our preferred alignment, it’s good for potential rail expansion in the future," Young said, and added the team is now coordinating with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) to identify safe options through the interchange that minimize at-grade crossings for cyclists and pedestrians.
Young said the WestCOG study is a design effort only: the scope is to produce 100% design-ready plans that make segments shovel-ready for future construction funding. He estimated the study will take roughly 12 to 18 months to complete.
The project team will also prepare a public engagement kit—scripts, flyers and an online comment form with a QR code—to gather feedback. Young asked the commission to help distribute materials and to staff outreach at community events such as Earth Day, the Sono Saturday market and Pride in the Park. "They’re going to finalize this public engagement package by the end of April," he said, asking commissioners to participate in outreach and share materials with neighborhood groups.
Commissioners noted the need to coordinate closely with DOT’s Route 7/15 interchange design team, to preserve safe crossings and a continuous trail alignment as the interchange work proceeds. Emily Bernamman, the commission chair, thanked Young for the update and noted the commission will await the engagement kit and materials to mobilize volunteers at upcoming events.
The presentation closed with a public-participation note: Jod Trenler, identified during the meeting as the city’s director of sustainability and resilience, offered the sustainability task force’s help with outreach after her attempt to speak was hindered by audio trouble.
Next steps identified at the March 2 meeting include finalizing the engagement package, circulating digital and print materials through commission channels, and coordinating with TMP and DOT staff on alignment questions as the WestCOG study advances toward 100% design.
