After three years of study, planning and repair work, Wilton’s Department of Public Works has reopened Scribner Hill Rd.
A brief e-alert from the Town notified residents of the news: “Scribner [Hill] Road construction [is] completed. The road is now fully open. Thank you for your patience!”
But the short announcement belies the complex effort undertaken by Wilton’s DPW to a challenging problem on the road.
It was June 2022 when DPW Director and Town Engineer Frank Smeriglio initially briefed the Board of Selectmen about the road‘s condition. DPW had determined that a portion of the hilly road had become unstable, and due to safety concerns, the road was reduced to an alternating single lane. It was later closed completely, with detours via Hulda Hill Rd., Olmstead Hill Rd. and Danbury Rd.
The problem was attributed to the steep slope, significant rock ledge and the flow of water under the road.
The problems were further exacerbated by damage following the flooding in August 2024.
An engineering study to fully assess the problem was followed by design plans drafted by Cardinal Engineering. The cost of the repair work was approved for bonding in FY 2025.
Smeriglio said the choice of a contractor — Dalling Construction of Stratford — was critical.
“The project was challenging based on the steep terrain of the area. We had to be careful to make sure the bidder was qualified to perform the work,” Smeriglio wrote in an email to GMW. “They [Dalling Construction] were well qualified… They had an excellent foreman and all of the necessary equipment.”
While the contractor’s final invoicing is still being prepared, Smeriglio is confident the project is within the $1.6 million approved budget. Unfortunately, however, Wilton didn’t get any financial help from the state.
“The Town pursued a grant with CT DOT. However, based on roadway classification, Scribner Hill didn’t qualify,” Smeriglio said, despite being “heavily used” by residents in the area.
First Selectman Toni Boucher echoed the importance of reopening Scribner Hill Rd. for local access.
“Residents who live in the Mountain Rd. area have always relied on Scribner Hill when traveling to and from Route 7,” she wrote in an email to GMW.
She thanked Wilton’s DPW for a job well done.
“Our excellent team of Town engineers in the Department of Public Works have done a tremendous job of rebuilding the road, while creating a permanent solution to the runoff problems,” Boucher said, adding her thanks “to all involved who brought this important project to a close in such a short time and within budget.”
“We are so pleased that Scribner Hill Road is open once again,” Boucher said. “Scribner Hill today is not only picturesque, it is stable and strong.”
