STUDY OVERVIEW - Danbury, Ridgefield, Redding, Wilton, and Norwalk are participating in a study effort to define environmentally sensitive routing solutions for a shared-use trail for recreation and transportation within the five communities along the Norwalk River corridor.

The NRVT will ultimately serve a broad range of corridor residents, employees and visitors. The trail will be a public asset and provide links to key destinations such as schools, parks, open spaces, town centers, and train stations. The NRVT corridor landscape will include tremendous assets such as riparian habitat, wetlands and post-glacial formations. In addition, historical and archeological features will be identified, highlighted and interpreted to help inform users of the distinct history of the corridor and region.

Key themes that will provide the framework for the study include:

• Trail Alignment – emphasis on environmental context, connectivity and linkages to nearby town centers, rail stations, parks and schools.
• Clarity, Safety and Continuity – an easy-to-navigate trail, especially at roadway crossings, will enhance comfort and safety for all users
• Materials and Amenities – consistency of trail surfaces, edge treatment (fencing and/or landscaping), plantings, signage and other features will help to "brand" the NRVT
• Minimal Environmental Impact – minimal disturbance of the riparian corridor and adjacent natural areas as well as innovative stormwater management techniques
• Alignment Routing and Cost – cost estimates will be developed early on in the process to help the team understand the cost impact of the alignment options
• Phasing – criteria will be established to objectively evaluate trail sections to determine an ideal phasing strategy
• Public Outreach – the study will draw on the expertise of the NRVT Committee and other stakeholders, as well as input from public workshops

The product of the study will be a stand-alone report for each of the five communities as well as a regional report that encompasses the recommendations for the entire Norwalk River Valley Trail in the five municipalities.  The municipalities have hired a consulting team, led by Alta Planning + Design, to conduct the study.

Meetings & Upcoming Events

Final Study Materials

Materials may be downloaded clicking the links below or by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking the appropriate "download" link.

• NRVT Regional Report - Final - Part 1
• NRVT Regional Report - Final - Part 2
  
• NRVT Executive Summary - Final
  

Contact Information:

Please email comments or questions on the Norwalk River Valley Trail Study to
info@nrvt-trail.com