Crumbling Concrete Prompts Closing of A Section of Stamford Transportation Center Parking Garage

It’s probably not a surprise for commuters who park at the Stamford Transportation Center. Falling concrete has prompted the closure of a section of the garage, according to the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Commuters have voiced concern on the deteriorating conditions at the garage for years. And on Monday, hours after the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that it closed the parking garage at the Stamford Transportation Center, effective immediately, commuters supplied photos of the conditions of the deteriorating concrete conditions at the 28-year-old facility.

Commuters with daily parking permits will be able to park in the newer 1,200-space garage immediately adjacent to the garage that is being closed. Those without permits will be directed to other nearby facilities.

CTDOT has retained the engineering firm of H.W. Lochner Inc., to perform ground-penetrating radar and other testing of each parking level to ensure safety and stability. Once the testing is complete, plans will be developed regarding the future of the garage.

“Although some will be inconvenienced, we are taking this action to ensure the safety of all customers,” CTDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker said in a statement.

Replacing the 727-space garage has been part of a CTDOT plan to rebuild the Transportation Center, according to the DOT. Meanwhile, the department has been cordoning off sections of the garage and making temporary repairs. However, over the weekend of April 11-12, significant problems were reported when some pieces of concrete in the third level fell to the second-level deck. There were no injuries and no damage to vehicles.

Working with the City of Stamford and Building Land Technology Inc. (BLT), CTDOT has identified two alternate parking locations for non-permit holders — BLT’s lot at 406-424 Washington Blvd.,, across the street from the Transportation Center, and the parking lot at 28 Bell St., where a shuttle to and from the Transportation Center is available.

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Photo credit: cbslocal.com. Garage photos: courtesy of Connecticut Commuter Council member Jeff Maron.