Worcester School’s Myra Brook driveway bridge replacement accepted for review; estimated temporary wetland impact noted

The Danbury Environmental Impact Commission on March 25 accepted an application from Worcester School Corporation to replace the structurally deficient driveway bridge on Myra Brook and will conduct site walks and follow-up review.

Gary Giro of Cardinal Engineering, the applicant’s agent, told the commission the existing bridge is structurally deficient and that the proposed reinforced-concrete replacement is designed to carry truck traffic, including fire trucks. Giro said the new structure will hydraulically handle approximately a 10-year storm at this location but could not be sized for a 100-year event because of topography and channel constraints. He estimated the project will temporarily impact about 110–112 square feet of wetlands; that impact will be confined using sheet piling during construction and the contractor will remove the sheet piling and restore wetlands and streambed material after work.

Commissioners questioned timing and erosion control. Giro said the school hopes to complete design, go to bid and start construction after school ends; estimated construction duration was roughly two months, with a preferred window of late June to mid-August to avoid heavy traffic. Commissioners pressed on turbidity controls; Giro explained a turbidity control curtain would be installed downstream to slow flow and capture suspended solids during abutment removal and other in-stream work, likening it to a floating silt fence.

The discussion covered removal of the old abutments, which Giro said are natural stone with some concrete and would be dismantled and the channel rebuilt with saved or matched stream-bed material. Mike Jumper, identified as chief financial officer at Worcester School, was present to answer schedule and logistics questions. The commission moved and seconded to accept Application #126591; the motion carried by voice vote. Commissioners and applicants agreed to coordinate site walks and further materials prior to final action.

Next steps: the applicant will pursue required permits (city and any required regional permits), finalize bid documents and schedule field visits; construction is contingent on permitting and the summer construction window.