A concrete barrier seawall along a beachfront stretch of Limewood Avenue/CT Scenic Route 146 is on the state's radar for a seawall removal and replacement project. The project also proposes adding a three-foot utility buffer adjacent to the road and a five-foot concrete sidewalk. The $5.8 million project, to be paid for with state funds, is slated to start in fall 2020, based on funding availability.

The purpose of the project is to construct a seawall to protect Scenic Route 146 from being eroded by wave action, according to a press release issued by the DOT on May 7.

On Thursday, May 24 at Branford Fire Headquarters (45 North Main St.) DOT officials will share more on the proposed Limewood Avenue seawall rehabilitation project at a public information meeting. The meeting format includes an open forum at 6:30 p.m. (individual discussions with DOT department personnel) and 7 p.m. design presentation. Proposed project plans will also be on display at the meeting and will be available for review at the Branford Town Hall, Town Engineer's Office, according to the DOT.

The DOT project plan calls for removing the entire existing concrete barrier and related stone "revetment" (fortification), then constructing a "...three-foot utility buffer adjacent to the roadway, followed by a 5-foot concrete sidewalk, concrete retaining wall and stone reventment to dissipate wave energy."

The DOT press release also notes the project entails right-of-way impacts involving  "permanent easements, temporary construction easement, and various rights to grade."

One of the unique aspects of the proposed construction area is that the seawall edges sections of private beaches maintained by local neighborhood associations and/or property owners.

DOT officials state the public informational meeting "...is being held to afford a full opportunity for public participation and to allow open discussion of any views and comments the community may have concerning this proposed project.

The public can contact DOT's Michael Calabrese at (860) 594-2075 or by e-mail at michael.calabrese@ct.gov to discuss the project. Additional information is available at the DOT Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington (Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. excluding holidays). 

The DOT also notes the Branford meeting site is ADA accessible. To request language assistance, call (860) 594-2109 at least five business days prior to the meeting. Persons with hearing and/or speech disability, dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) and ask the operator to contact (860) 594-2243.