Mill River Greenway, Phase II
City of Stamford
Confronted by the common hurdles of urban environments, our team embraced a community-centric approach to construction management, working seamlessly with the project team to integrate safety features, innovative infrastructure, and aesthetic enhancements, which ultimately elevated this inclusive and sustainable legacy project.
Client need
The City of Stamford aimed to fulfill a century-long ambition of creating a continuous system of parks throughout its neighborhoods, from South End at Long Island Sound to the sprawling Scalzi Park at its north. Inspired by a city planner’s vision of public access for all, the project promised the additional benefits of pedestrian safety and economic development through increased connectivity. The project’s complexity and demanding funding requirements necessitated phased implementation. Nearly 2,300 feet long and spanning a width of 12 feet, Phase II runs alongside the picturesque Mill River. The lighted greenway commences with a trail entrance at Green Street, extends to West North Street behind Hart Elementary School, and further connects to Cloonan Middle School and JM Wright Technical School. Its proximity to these schools and the celebrated Mill River would call for a responsive approach to construction.
Our approach
The success of construction projects often lies beyond their meticulous physical execution. Our approach to Phase II began with setting the priorities — keeping the nearby students and general public safe and managing construction activities to meet the implicit demands of its dynamic stakeholders. Our keen awareness of the environment in which we worked guided our on-site decisions. For example, to allow the safe passage of nearby students in the event of a life-threatening circumstance, we recommended the installation of additional gates along the temporary fencing. This way, if there was ever an emergency, students could quickly exit through the construction site. The style of fence was also intentional so it would seamlessly integrate within the natural environment.
As sometimes happens, the contractor faced issues sourcing the designer’s specified materials. To mitigate schedule delays and additional costs to the client, we offered suitable alternatives that would further uphold the City’s aesthetic standards.
One standout feature of this project was the installation of a prefabricated pedestrian bridge, providing trail users with a convenient passage over one of Mill River’s tributaries. While placing the bridge on the substructure presented its own challenges, maneuvering the sizable structure through the lively streets of downtown was a matter of careful logistics. Working together, we mapped out a suitable route for transport. Once on site, our team collaborated closely with the contractor to ensure that the bridge was placed precisely on the meticulously constructed substructure.
Results
The result was an amenity for the community that prioritized even the most unassuming needs of its members. Emergency blue light boxes were added to the completed trail segment for an additional level of safety and security. Crosswalks were incorporated using decorative inlays that synthesized functionality with aesthetics, elevating pride in this community amenity.
Even down to preserving a segment of the existing sidewalk bearing the handprints of a resident’s child, our team ensured that every detail of the trail extension reflected a deep regard for the community it serves, both during and after construction.
In our team’s words
“As Chief Inspector for Phase II of Stamford’s Mill River Greenway project, I saw our team tackle the unique challenges of building in an urban environment while always keeping the community in mind. From adding emergency blue-light boxes and extra gates for safety to preserving local features, such as child’s handprints on a sidewalk, we made sure every detail mattered. By finding creative solutions, we avoided delays and kept everything up to the City’s standards. The result is a beautiful, safe, and functional greenway that connects the community and will be enjoyed for years to come.”
— Louis Testa, N-IV, Chief Inspector