DeLauro, Himes Announce $79.7 Million to Replace the Norwalk River Bridge

NORWALK, CT — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) today announced the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) has been awarded $79.7 million through the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair (SGR) program to replace the existing Norwalk River Railroad Bridge (Walk Bridge).

"Investing in our transit system is one of the best ways to invest in the future of Connecticut's economy," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "Carrying over 200 trains and an estimated 125,000 passengers every day, the deterioration of Walk Bridge has become a pressing safety concern. As a leader on the committee that determines most federal spending, I worked hard to secure this funding to invest in the Walk Bridge. This replacement enhances the reliability of the rail service and increases the traveler capacity and efficiency of rail travel across the Northeast Corridor. I will continue to fight for much-needed investments in our infrastructure."

"The Walk Bridge is a critical juncture for commerce traveling along the East Coast," said Congressman Himes. "But, for too long, we've been trying to accommodate a 21st Century economy with 19th Century technology. Securing these funds has been a top priority of ours because we need critical infrastructure investment to keep Connecticut thriving and competitive for years to come."

This federal funding will be used to replace the existing movable Walk Bridge, built in 1896, with two independent two-track vertical lift rail bridges in Norwalk, Connecticut, including supporting rehabilitation work on the bridge approach embankments and retaining walls, installation of new catenary structures, and signal system upgrades.