Work begins to replace historic Norwalk River Railroad Bridge

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has begun construction on the Norwalk River Railroad Bridge Replacement Project in Norwalk.

The structure, also known as the Walk Bridge, was originally built in 1896 and is one of the oldest movable bridges in the region. The four-track railroad bridge spans the Norwalk River, and in recent years it failed to close on several occasions disrupting rail travel on the New Haven Line.

Although it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, the bridge is being replaced with a new structure that will feature two independent and movable spans. When it is completed, the current speed restriction over the bridge will be eliminated and trains will be able to travel at speeds that are 15 miles per hour faster.

The $925 million construction project is approximately 80% federally funded and 20% state funded. It is expected to be completed in 2029.

“The original Walk Bridge was created during the administration of President Grover Cleveland, and now 127 years later during the administration of President Joe Biden we are replacing it with a modernized bridge that will be strengthened and fully capable of serving the busiest rail line in the nation,” said Gov. Ned Lamont in a press statement. “This corridor is a critical link for rail travel in the Northeast and is essential to supporting economic growth and jobs in Connecticut. This project ticks all the boxes ”“ it helps achieve our goal of faster rail service, reduces traffic on our roadways, promotes economic development, and protects environmental and historic preservation.”

Photo courtesy of Noroton / Wikimedia Commons