File photo: In 2022, road construction on an Eversource pipe laying project on New Canaan Rd. closed the road during daytime weekdays, with the resulting detours frustrating some drivers. The project started up again in spring 2024 and is continuing in 2025. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton

After a winter hibernation, the Aquarion/Eversource road construction project that began in 2023 will restart on Rte. 106/New Canaan Rd. this spring.

According to a press release issued by Town of Wilton officials, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT-DOT) has issued a permit to Aquarion and Eversource allowing their pipe installation work on Rte. 106/New Canaan Rd. in Wilton to continue for 2024.

The project is to install a water main pipeline for Aquarion and a gas main pipeline for Eversource.

Due to the project, traffic that typically traverses Rte. 106/New Canaan Rd. will be rerouted by detour.

Work is anticipated to start on Friday, March 1, pending weather and final miscellaneous requirements by CT DOT.

Construction will resume with extending the 36-inch water main and 16-inch gas main westward along Rte. 106/New Canaan Rd. from Old Boston Rd. to the New Canaan town line. Asphalt will be installed daily with a second layer of temporary one-inch asphalt overlay installed at the end of the construction season. Permanent pavement restoration will occur the following season in 2025. 

The construction route along New Canaan Rd. Credit: Aquarion/Eversource

Because New Canaan Rd. is a state-owned roadway maintained by the state, the day-to-day operations of the project will be overseen by CT-DOT.

Town officials attached additional conditions regarding traffic flow and work hours, according to the release from Wilton’s Director of Public Works/Town Engineer Frank Smeriglio.

After both pipes are extended to the New Canaan town line, water and gas pipelines will be installed in Rte. 106/Silvermine Rd. between Carter St. and Valley Rd. in New Canaan for the duration of the 2024 construction season. 

Additional work proposed for 2025 includes but is not limited to: pipe replacement on bridge at the Wilton/New Canaan town line and continued pipe installation in New Canaan. Additional information will follow later in the construction season. 

What to expect: 

  • Construction for this phase is scheduled to begin Friday, March 1, 2024 and end in November 2024. 
  • Construction hours will occur Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rte. 106/New Canaan Rd. will be closed to thru traffic during this time. Summer hours may be extended upon approval of the Town of Wilton and DOT. 
  • Traffic control, including police officers, flaggers and signage, will help maintain safe work zones and ensure unobstructed passage for emergency vehicles. 
  • All school bus stops will remain at their current locations. The roadway will remain open for school buses and emergency vehicles. All other vehicular traffic will follow traffic control and posted detour routes. 
  • For residents living within the project area, multiple crews will be on the project during a typical day; they should coordinate with on-site traffic control for access to their property through the work area. 
  • According to the maps and materials provided, the truck detour route will be different from what’s described here.
  • Eversource, Aquarion and their contractors will coordinate work with DOT, town officials and individual customers, where needed. 
  • All Eversource and Aquarion employees and contractors carry identification that they will gladly show. 
  • Aquarion, Eversource and state inspectors will be on-site during this work. Anyone with immediate concerns should reach out to an on-site inspector or contact one of the project representatives listed below. 
  • Incidental work may also occur on Rte. 106 between Belden Hill Rd. and Old Boston Road. 
  • Electronic billboards will be installed to inform the public and provide daily updates throughout construction. 
  • Project updates including construction status, work schedule, changes in traffic patterns and detours will be posted weekly on Aquarion’s website. 

The information issued by the town noted that “Aquarion Water and Eversource are committed to being good neighbors while we are in your neighborhood.” Anyone with questions or who needs additional information can contact: 

  • Dennis Fields, Aquarion Water project representative, 203.258.6139
  • Ken Zembrzuski, Eversource project representative, 860.665.3452. 

New Canaan Rd. (Old Boston Rd. and Old Kings Highway) Phase — March to November 2024 

Aquarion and Eversource representatives say the utility companies will continue installation of a water main and gas main in a manner similar to the portion installed in 2022. The road surface will temporarily be restored with asphalt daily. At the end of the 2024 construction season, Aquarion will install a temporary one-inch layer of asphalt .

In 2025, the temporary asphalt will be excavated to install new permanent asphalt. Work in this section of road will begin in March (weather permitting), and it is anticipated to complete this phase by November, 2024. Work hours and construction requirements will follow the description on page 1 above “What you can expect”. 

Detour Old Kings Hwy to Old Boston Rd. Credit: Aquarion/Eversource

New Canaan Road (Between Belden Hill Rd. and Old Boston Rd) Phase 

Miscellaneous watermain testing will occur in this work area later in 2024. Work hours in this area will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and construction requirements will follow the description bullet-pointed above.

We intend to keep one lane of alternating traffic open during this time. However, for the safety of workers and vehicular traffic, roadway may be closed at various times. Organizers say additional information will follow. 

Detour Old Boston Rd. to Seir Hill Credit: Aquarion/Eversource