Sally E. Bahner Photo
Amtrak bridge construction.
The Route1/Amtrak project is well underway, and concerns regarding nighttime noise have proved to be minimal after Amtrak reduced prolonged train whistles as trains approached and left the work zone.
Nighttime work involving rock removal along the tracks took place over the last two weeks and is just about completed, said Jan Pacanski, project consulting engineer. That portion of the job required the use of a hydraulic hoe ram (rather like an extra large jackhammer). However, because of progress made on the job during the day, that portion of the project lasted only about two weeks. As a result there was minimal noise from jackhammers.
Of greater concern was the use of warning train whistles, which are mandated by the Federal Railroad Authority. The prolonged blowing of the whistles as the trains approach, pass through and leave the work zone produced a flurry of comments on the See Click Fix site and a flyer stating, “Everyone has the right to sleep.” People were encouraged to contact Branford First Selectman Anthony “Unk” DaRos, Amtrak, and U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro. Fair Haven Heights residents in New Haven also expressed concern about Amtrak night noise.
Pacanski said he did receive an email regarding that problem. Turns out there was a simple solution. “There’s no need for extended whistles going through the work zone. One beep at the beginning and end is enough,” he said after a meeting took place with the local management team. That change is already evident.
Regarding the rock excavation, Pacanski said he’s received only a single complaint and that was on Aug. 3. Rock removal took place along the tracks during the day and at the eastern limits of the tracks at night. Work is continuing on the walls being constructed east and west of Route 1.
He said that work, which also included tree clearing, was originally supposed to take place during the night, but the Amtrak schedule enabled them to get much of it done during daytime hours, leaving two weeks of night work, which is just about done.
That nighttime work involved the use of a hydraulic hoe ram, which will result in some noise, Pacanski said, affecting residents living closest to the track. He said the threshold for noise during the night has been determined to be between 86 and 90 decibels (dB). As a comparison, normal conversation is 60dB to 70dB, a motorcycle is 100dB, and a loud rock concert is 115db.
At the start of this phase, DaRos acknowledged that this will be the worst part of the project. ”The jack hammer may be a problem at night…” he said. From within earshot of the rear of Branhaven Shopping Center, there was some noise over two nights, but not what may have been expected from such equipment.
DaRos said he’s received a few complaints from people catching him on the street.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation has set up a 24-hour information line – 203 – 315-0966 – to keep the public updated on construction activities. The pre-recorded message details the hours of operation for the week and the specific work being done toward the goal of replacing the Amtrak railroad bridge. It is expected to be in effect for the duration of the project.
Costing $44.7 million, it is J.F. White/Empire Paving joint venture, extending from the Amtrak railroad bridge up to Orchard Hill Road. Site preparation began just about a year ago and is expected to be completed in March 2014.
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American Recovery Act Project at work.
There's sign on I91 in Cromwell too. Only thing
onee problem just a sign ....no project. Really sad. Not funny. No project.project money sign. No project at work. Anyone checking that one out? Wonder what the DOT scored on that do nothing one in Cromwell. Well at least Branford's is on a roll. This will be great and it looks like with the help of LOCaL company Empire it's all and all pretty smooth. AT last.