Newtown Inland Wetlands Commission Approves Brushy Hill Road Culvert Replacement

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Inland Wetlands Commission has approved a town project to replace an aging culvert on Brushy Hill Road over Deep Brook, a move aimed at improving infrastructure while ensuring fish passage.

At its Sept. 10 meeting, commissioners reviewed Inland Wetlands Application #25-15, submitted by the Town of Newtown. Town Engineer John Curtis outlined plans to install two precast culverts and a concrete baffle to replace the existing structure. The work is part of a broader effort by the town to replace bridges across the community.

Curtis said the project has gone through the permitting process with both the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Fisheries Division and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Both agencies recommended using a baffle approach to direct stream flow into a single culvert during low-water conditions, allowing fish to move freely.

The proposed culverts measure 12 feet wide by 6.5 feet high, while the baffle will be 2 feet high by 1 foot wide with a natural channel bottom. Curtis said granular fill will be added to simulate a natural streambed and will be replaced as needed following storm events.

Commission Chair Sharon Salling supported the design, saying the baffle “should do the trick” to provide a reliable solution for fish passage. Commissioners also confirmed the project would match the natural elevation of the brook.

Curtis said construction is slated to begin April 1, 2026, with an expected duration of 205 days. He noted he would confirm the start date with state fisheries officials.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the application with standard conditions and supporting documents.

In other business, Salling reported that the commission had received a resident’s email but deferred discussion until the next meeting so members could review it with Deputy Director of Land Use Rob Maguire. She also noted a request from a resident of Hundred Acres Road seeking a five-year extension of a previously approved wetlands permit, which will also be taken up at a future session.

The commission approved its Aug. 27 meeting minutes and adjourned at 7:20 p.m.