A Path Forward for the Viaduct Project

The impending replacement or repair of the Alpha Avenue Bridge or the Viaduct has rightly become a matter of deep concern for the Town of Stonington and especially for Stonington Borough. The issue has profound implications, including basic public safety, pedestrian mobility including handicapped access and even the ability of individuals and businesses to keep their property.  

The Connecticut Department of Transportation recently proposed completely replacing the bridge, rather than repairing the existing structure. This proposal was contrary to prior conversations with local officials and involved the taking of significant private property. The unacceptability of their proposal was made abundantly clear to the DOT on July 31st when Borough residents responded much as they had to Admiral Hardy in August of 1814. Like the British Navy, the DOT realized their error and changed course, ultimately agreeing to repair rather than replace the viaduct.

However, many details remain to be worked out. Much of the impact, cost and timeline of the viaduct project is a function of how vehicle and pedestrian access is maintained while repairs are being made. Maintaining two way vehicle traffic is critical to public safety and the business community. 

Trying to maintain traffic on the viaduct while repairing it is like trying to rebuild a boat while it’s at sea. It’s possible, but much more difficult, expensive and time consuming than repairing it in drydock. Instead of trying to use the bridge during construction – which would not only back up traffic but create unsafe conditions--we should find a temporary alternate route over the railroad tracks for vehicles and pedestrians. 

Temporarily restoring the at grade crossing of the Amtrak tracks at North Water Street is the most practical solution.  Amtrak, however, has refused to engage in any meaningful dialogue with local officials or DOT. Amtrak has responded with a hard “no” over the years to pleas from Fire Chief Hoadley and others for even emergency access to an at grade crossing. This is despite the fact there are over 200,000 at grade crossings currently in the national rail system, including many local ones.  

Those of us that were here for the July 3, 2003 fire at the former Monsanto factory understand the critical importance of this access. In that incident only unseasonably cool and rainy weather with favorable winds saved the village from an immediate mass evacuation. Trying to accommodate an evacuation over a single lane while mutual aid equipment is simultaneously trying to enter would be catastrophic. 

A temporary at grade crossing with a state-of-the-art hardware system and a 24 hour safety officer during the project would likely make this the safest stretch of track in the entire rail system. It would also significantly enhance public safety and emergency management options for Borough residents. Amtrak’s refusal to discuss this option is simply not acceptable. 

As First Selectman I will work closely with residents, businesses, and our State and Federal delegations to vigorously pursue both the repairing rather than replacing of the viaduct and a temporary at grade crossing. I will get clear answers from D.O.T. and keep Congressman Courtney and Senators Murphy and Blumenthal informed of D.O.T.’s plans and our reactions to them. If necessary, I will personally meet with Washington representatives and urge them to put pressure on both Amtrak and D.O.T. Together we will complete this project and make it work for the Town of Stonington’s budget, businesses, and residents.