Start your morning commute well before 7:30 a.m. on Monday if it takes you past the intersection of Middlesex Road and Noroton Avenue — both roads will be closed there from about 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Darien police have announced.
The reason is Aquarion Water Company’s ongoing water main replacement project along Noroton Avenue. It won’t just be a lane closure — the entire intersection will be shut down as extensive excavation takes place to get the new pipe in the ground, police said.
Here’s the full text of the announcement, which Darien police just emailed at 12:08 p.m.:
Traffic Advisory
Location: Middlesex Road and Noroton Avenue
Date of traffic interruption: Monday July 18
Time of traffic interruption: approximately 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Reason for roadway closure/traffic detour: water main installation directly in the intersection requiring substantial excavation and heavy equipment movement.
The Darien Police Department is issuing this traffic advisory to notify motorists of a roadway closure and traffic detour scheduled for Monday, July 18, 2016. The Aquarion Water Company is in the process of installing 1,000 feet of 16-inch ductile iron water main on Noroton Ave. and Middlesex Road. The intersection of these two roads will require a complete closure on the date listed above.
Detour signage will be prominently posted along the detour routes and traffic control personnel will be on scene to assist motorists. Please expect delays and avoid this area if possible. Access to the Darien High School property will be via either Nutmeg Lane or High School Lane only.
“We greatly appreciate residents’ patience during these projects,” said Dan Lawrence, Aquarion’s director of engineering & planning. “We will work closely with our customers, contractors, and town and state officials to coordinate the work and minimize disruption.”
As Previously Reported …
Here’s an excerpt from Darienite.com’s previous article on this project:
Along 1,000 feet of Noroton Avenue from Chestnut Street to Middlesex Road, the existing water main, 12 inches in diameter, will be replaced by a 16-inch ductile iron water main. Aquarion is calling it “a new water distribution ‘backbone’ for the town of Darien.”
Beginning July 5, with completion expected by the end of August, the company will also replace a 4,000-foot stretch of the existing water main lines on Middlesex Road and then Mansfield Avenue.
“During the project, customers in the area may experience temporary service disruptions or discolored water,” the company announced. The utility recommends storing water in your refrigerator for drinking and cooking, in case service stops or the water gets discolored.
“Customers also should refrain from washing laundry if water is discolored,” the utility said. “Prior to resuming use, customers should run their cold water faucets until the water appears clear.”