PUTNAM — Work to replace the retaining wall below Route 44 beside Cargill Falls Mill continues to draw local updates, while CTDOT’s construction notice sets out a road-reconstruction project and a closure scheduled into next spring.
Northeast NewsReel’s October 31 caption reports progress removing the old rubble-stone wall. Eastern CT News read that caption through the outlet’s RSS feed; it did not independently inspect the current work or review the complete photo reel.
CTDOT says the project began June 22, 2026. It includes full replacement of the retaining wall, reconstruction of Route 44 above it and removal of the flashing beacon at Route 44 and Church Street.
The state awarded Project 0115-0122 to Richards Corporation on March 18 for $6,742,733. Overall completion is scheduled for July 20, 2027. Those current contract figures differ from the older estimates in planning documents.
The construction notice lists Route 44 between High Street and Church Street as closed from July 27, 2026, through May 17, 2027. It says pedestrians have walkway access through the work zone outside work hours and shuttle service during work hours.
These are the state’s published arrangements, rather than an on-scene confirmation of access at every moment. CTDOT cautions that weather or other unforeseen conditions may change the schedule; motorists should follow posted detours.
The accompanying photograph shows the existing wall in CTDOT’s 2024 project presentation. It is an archive image, not an October 2026 construction photograph. This report was prepared with AI assistance from the linked sources.