Compromise Reached For 'Loud' Construction Work On Greenwich Avenue

GREENWICH, CT — The Board of Selectmen on Thursday approved a temporary lane closure for a project from Eversource that's expected to bring loud construction noise to a stretch of Greenwich Avenue.

When the project first came before the selectmen for consideration last month, work was slated to be conducted during the overnight hours only, but town and project officials were able to reach a compromise and establish a hybrid schedule to help residents and businesses.

Test pits need to be dug out with heavy machinery and a vacuum truck along Greenwich Avenue between Grigg Street and Bruce Park Avenue/Railroad Avenue to locate existing utilities before a new duct bank can ultimately be installed.

There were concerns about impacts from the construction work to residents in the area, and also to the outdoor dining season, which will begin on May 26.

Work will now take place 10 p.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Wednesday, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday to Friday.

"We'll revisit it in a few weeks and as the project goes along and see how it's going and if it has to be adjusted, but I think this is a nice healthy compromise," First Selectman Fred Camillo said.

Matthew Wright from Watkins Strategies told the community during outreach efforts that work could begin April 11 or April 14, but the start date will be delayed as permits must first be approved. It's unclear when the project will begin, but it's expected to start in the near future.

Documents submitted to the town show that 41 test pits are planned to be dug out, each measuring two feet by two feet. This work is expected to take around three to four weeks, after which the new duct bank will be installed as part of the second phase.

During the March 10 Board of Selectmen meeting, Camillo asked, "What are we thinking about as far as what to expect for noise?"

"Loud noise," said Bob Handler, the project manager from Eversource.

On March 27, project officials said they had adjusted their plan after the town had received complaints, and that more outreach would be done.

Wright told the selectmen Thursday that he handed out 119 letters which detailed the work and proposed hours to residents and businesses in the area on March 31.

"I got no pushback; everyone was very friendly and understanding. I gave them as much detail as I could," Wright said, noting he's only received one call asking about the project since.

Camillo, too, said he's only heard from one person with concerns.

"I think this is being well-received," Camillo said. "It shows there's compromise there."