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Board unanimously approves emergency waiver for bridge demolition while Metro‑North service halted
Summary
The Ansonia Board of Aldermen approved an emergency bid waiver allowing demolition work on four bridges over Metro‑North tracks while train service is suspended, a move staff say can be mobilized within about two weeks to reduce further flood damage risks.
The Ansonia Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to grant an emergency bid waiver that will allow the city to begin demolition of four bridges over the Metro‑North rail line while train service is suspended following recent flooding.
Sheila O’Malley, the city’s economic development official, told the board the waiver is time‑sensitive because Metro‑North has halted service to repair track damage and the temporary shutdown creates a window long enough to remove two walking bridges and two pipe bridges. She said the city has requested permission from Metro‑North and the Department of Transportation and that both agencies are cooperating on timing and safety protocols.
Why it matters: Officials said removing the damaged structures now will reduce the risk they ‘‘crumble under their own weight’’ and complicate future rail operations. O’Malley estimated the city could mobilize demolition crews within two weeks if Metro‑North and DOT provide formal clearance; the demolition work itself is expected to take a few days, with cleanup and debris removal taking longer.
Board discussion focused on timing and logistics. Members asked how long Metro‑North service will remain suspended and whether demolition could be completed within the outage; O’Malley said the shutdown could last more than a month and that crews expect to complete the bridge removals in a matter of days, though cleanup from the sites will take longer. Board members emphasized the need to protect the tracks and passenger service and to coordinate debris removal quickly.
The motion to waive the normal bidding process and authorize demolition work was moved and seconded on the record; the board voted in favor with no opposition or abstentions. The board did not identify a specific contractor in the motion beyond the referenced Stanford Demolition activity described in staff materials.
What comes next: Staff said they will continue coordination with Metro‑North and DOT and proceed with mobilization once the formal permits and clearances are granted. The administration signaled additional updates will be posted online and shared by robocall or press release as the schedule is finalized.
