The opening of the newly built viaduct, circa 1955. The reason for the viaduct was to resolve major traffic and parking problems in the downtown section of Norwich. With the relocation of Route 12, there would be serious bottlenecks at both Burnham Square and the Laurel Hill intersection, without this circular flow of traffic going around the downtown instead of through the downtown.

It basically was accomplished by building two new small bridges, and using the land behind the train station. One bridge was next to the Laurel Hill intersection and another was near Burnham Square.

Ken Keeley is the author of 13 pictorial books of Norwich history. To purchase any of his books he can be reached on Facebook or by e-mail at kenekjr000@comcast.net. His books are also available at La Stella’s Italian Bakery in Taftville.