Coordination with New York
DOT was asked about coordinating the Greenwich/Stamford project with the work at the state line with Ne York.
They replied that the New York project had already been in under way for almost 2 years, and the Greenwich/Stamford work wouldn’t start until 2022, but that they would coordinate to minimize overlap.
Tree clearing. The DOT was asked how many trees would be cut down and whether they would replace vegetation.
The past few years have seen a number of tree clearing projects by both the DOT and Metro-North along I-95 and the railroad tracks that run parallel to the highway.
(Residents Protest Metro North’s Tree Clearing in Riverside Dec 2020)
(Bocchino Explains “Sudden and Unexpected Clear Cutting of Trees along I-95” July 2018)
(DOT Tree Removals Along I95 Northbound Draw Ire from Greenwich Residents February 2019)
“We’ll look at areas with vegetative buffers and look to incorporate vegetative buffers. We will look at that as we go forward with our design,” they said.
“Selective tree clearing will be necessary to allow for construction and to increase the safety of the corridor. Sight distance around curves will be increased by cutting trees back. Some trees will need to be removed in order to replace the slope pipes along the immediate vicinity of the highway. Finally, tree limbs overhanging the highway will be cut back.”
Tony Margiotta, GM2 Associates
Commuter Lot Closures
The work will also involve temporary closures of commuter lots under bridges including Strickland Road, River Road and Sound Shore Drive commuter lots.
The scope of bridge work (20 bridges are involved) includes upgrading underbridge lighting, bearing repairs, and relocating utilities. Also replacing the median (at 3 bridges), repairing decks and putting in new asphalt.
The work will begin in fall 2022, with a “conservative” estimate that construction will take of 3-4 years. It will be broken into three equal 2-mile segments, and the cost is estimated at $205Million, with 90% of funding from the federal government, and 10% from the State of CT.
Throughout construction the 55 mph speed limit will be maintained.
There will be lane closures at night, and the possibility of weekend work as well. All lanes will be fully operational during the daytime.
Locally, there will be closures on South Water Street and River Ave, though only for short durations.
Pollution
A resident noted the Riverside Association had continuously received complaints about emissions from cars and trucks, and asked if there a regulation that dealt with fumes and emissions?
“That’s not the purpose of the project,” they replied. “We’re not expanding lanes, which would require an air quality analysis.”
Detours
DOT will give a minimum of one week notice for detours, and state routes will be used wherever possible.
“You’ll go to the next ramp up, take the exit, get on the opposite direction and take the same exit, just in the opposite direction,” they said. “The detours are only single night detours.”
Asked whether there would be detours onto the Post Rd, the DOT said their goal was to keep traffic on I-95 as much as possible.
Exit 2 in Byram
Several residents asked if the project included lengthening or widening the deceleration ramp at Exit 2 southbound.
It does not.
Again, the presenters said the primary purpose of the project is “preservation” to extend the life of the pavement surface and upgrade safety.
Work at Exit 2 will be to rehabilitate the pavement, install a guide rail and install new illumination, signing and striping.
Exit 3
The deceleration lane at exit 3 will be extended. Currently it is 205 ft, where 470 feet is required. The proposal is for a 1,200 foot deceleration lane.
This is the only part of the project that goes beyond simply extending service life. There is no other widening proposed.
At Exit 3, a section of rock outcropping will be removed to accommodate the proposed widening and lengthening of the southbound deceleration lane.
Crash data at Exit 3 included over 2,200 crashes in a 3 year period, which is more than two per day. By far the most striking pattern observed were rear end crashes, which are indicative of congestion, followed by side swipes, which are indicative of “weaving.”
Underbridge Lighting, Murals, Sidewalks
A resident asked if the DOT would add lighting underneath the bridges, and whether the town could add murals along the underpasses. They also asked whether the DOT would update sidewalks under the bridges.
New lighting will be installed under the bridges with local roads underneath. Lighting will be upgraded to LED. However, sidewalks and roads underneath will not be reconstructed.
DOT said the idea of a mural had been discussed with state legislators and a neighborhood association.
“We’d like our project to come through first before any type of mural,” they said. “We wouldn’t add it under this project, but I believe there is a process through the maintenance and encroachment division.”
Participants were encouraged to give feedback on Survey Monkey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/GDKRH8J