Lawmakers Urge Army Corps To Prioritize Critical Greenwich Bridge Project

GREENWICH, CT — Connecticut and New York members of Congress are urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize the long-delayed replacement of two flood-prone Byram River bridges in Greenwich, saying the project is critical to improving flood resilience and protecting nearby communities.

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., Connecticut Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, and U.S. Rep. George Latimer, D-N.Y., sent a letter this week to Col. Eric Swenson, commander of the New York District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, calling for the agency to expedite the project.

"As members of Congress representing communities in Connecticut and New York that are directly impacted by the hydrodynamics of Byram River and its bridges, we write to express our serious concern regarding the continued delays to the years-long plan to replace the U.S. Route 1 bridges," wrote the lawmakers.

The lawmakers continued: "In September 2021, Hurricane Ida produced eight inches of rain that resulted in flash floods. Many residents of Pemberwick woke up to basements flooded to the ceiling. We were fortunate that no lives were lost. Replacing these bridges is an important component of improving the region's long-term flood resilience and protecting the public as we enter another hurricane season."

The lawmakers are urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize the Byram River Bridge project, expedite all remaining reviews and approvals, coordinate with Connecticut and New York state and local officials, and provide regular progress updates to Congress.

"The residents of our region have waited long enough for these critical improvements, and we look forward to working with you to ensure this project advances as expeditiously as possible," the lawmakers concluded.

Improvements to the West Putnam Avenue and Hillside Avenue bridges, which span the Byram River and contribute to flooding in the Pemberwick neighborhood of Greenwich, were authorized years ago, but the project remains unfinished.

The bridges serve as essential infrastructure for residents, businesses, commuters and first responders traveling between Greenwich and Port Chester each day.

Read the lawmakers' full letter here.