Greenwich Will Look To Replace North Street Bridge

GREENWICH, CT — With so many flooding events around town in recent years, Greenwich is looking for solutions to help mitigate the impact for residents.

Last week, the Greenwich Department of Public Works held a public hearing about the ongoing issues in Greenwich stemming from the impact of stormwater. The meeting specifically focused on the Brothers Brook drainage area, including the neighborhood near Francine Drive, Hillside Drive, Echo Lane, Ridgeview Avenue, Andrews Road, Old Church Road and Plow Lane.

First Selectman Fred Camillo said DPW discussed options to help mitigate flooding in this area including replacing the North Street bridge, reviewing downstream impacts and alternatives, investigating potential improvements to bridges in the area and providing drainage systems modifications alternatives to the Flood and Erosion Control Board.

"This is something our residents have been struggling with and I personally have felt the impact of flooding several times over the years on my home," Camillo said in his weekly newsletter to the community last Friday. "I understand the frustration our residents feel and the need to take action."

To that end, included in Camillo's proposed FY24 capital budget is $3 million for the replacement of the North Street Bridge, which carries the roadway over West Brothers Brook.

According to the project description in Camillo's proposed budget, the bridge received a low rating in the March 7, 2022, bridge safety inspection completed by GM2 Associates. Because of discovered deficiencies, it was recommended that the bridge be replaced to avoid closures and associated traffic impacts.

"The low rating is due to the undermining of the footing and channel apron, collapsed stone masonry stem and footing and exposed underside of deck," the statement of need for the project says.

Emergency repairs were made to address the significant concerns and allow the bridge to be passable. Additionally, a four-ton weight limit was placed on the bridge until construction is completed.

In August 2022, Greenwich submitted a funding application for the project under the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP).

The program provides a reimbursement of 100 percent of the total cost for construction and inspection.

Camillo said a flood study from DPW is not yet complete, but most of it is finished and more information is expected soon.

The Greenwich Board of Estimate and Taxation Budget Committee will begin the process of combing over Camillo's budget later this week.