Work to Resume on Route 44 and New Firehouse
Warmer temps ensure concrete quality By Avice Meehan Two significant Norfolk projects that were put on hold because of below-zero temperatures this winter are expected to resume by mid-March: Reconstruction of two retaining walls along Route 44 and the construction of a new firehouse for the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department. Engineers for the state Department […]
“Third Wall” Has to Wait
By Avice Meehan As K2 Infrastructure ushers in the spring construction season and restarts work on rebuilding two retaining walls on Route 44, hopes sprang up in the hearts of some Norfolk residents that a third, failing wall could be added as a “change order” to the massive $37 million project. Alas, that is not […]
Behind the Scenes on Route 44
The view from Norfolk’s Center Cemetery provides a good vantage point for the ongoing construction of the new retaining walls along Route 44. The so-called H piles, which can reach upwards of 50 feet, are in place and welders are working to install the studs that will be used to connect to the concrete face […]
Old Colony Road (Truly) Closed
By Avice Meehan Residents of Old Colony Road no longer live on a high-speed shortcut around the state Department of Transportation retaining wall project on Route 44. Thanks to the recent installation of a gate on the Route 44 end of Old Colony Road, the steep and winding road is now open only to local […]
Drilling for Stability
By Avice Meehan A German-made rig so tall that it is nearly even with the top of Center Cemetery—the BG 23 H made by Bauer Maschenin GmbH and can reach a maximum height of 72 feet—is being used by K2 Construction to install the foundations for the first of two retaining walls along Route 44. […]
History at the Top of the Hill
Preserving Norfolk’s Center Cemetery By Michael CobbAnyone driving through Norfolk on the way to Canaan will notice major infrastructural work reinforcing the hillside above Route 44. Many trees have been cut just below the Norfolk Center Cemetery, which sits somewhat perilously atop the now-barren slope. Norfolk Historical Society Director Barry Webber, who also serves as vice president […]
Route 44 Retaining Wall Project Making Progress
Completion expected by September 2026 By Avice MeehanThe Connecticut Department of Transportation has good news for Norfolk residents and travelers who use Route 44: The massive project to replace three retaining walls below and to the east of Norfolk’s historic Center Cemetery has a September 2026 completion date. CDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, who last worked […]
Selectman’s Corner
It’s a Waiting Game for Federal Funds By Matt Riiska With all the projects we currently have in process in Norfolk, I am asked if the federal budget cuts will affect our plans and what we can expect in the future. Federal funds received by the town are filtered through the State of Connecticut, so […]
Budget, Road Projects, School Topics for Selectmen
By Ruth Melville The 2025/26 budget season is here, and at the Feb. 5 meeting of the Board of Selectmen First Selectman Matt Riiska reported that about half the departmental budgets have been received, along with several requests from outside organizations that the town supports. The next meeting of the Board of Selectmen,March 5, will […]
New Design Speeds Route 44 Retaining Wall Project
Traffic Signals Updated By Avice Meehan The signals that control access through the retaining wall project on Route 44 now have count-down clocks and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) has also added a temporary light at Blackberry Street for motorists trying to enter the construction zone. Those improvements—all intended to lower the stress levels […]
