The Waterbury/Watertown Local Protection Project is located along the east bank of the Naugatuck River in both Waterbury and Watertown.
Acting in conjunction with the Thomaston Dam seven miles upstream, the project provides substantial protection for an industrial complex, a residential area, sections of Thomaston Avenue and the former Devon-Torrington Branch of the Conrail railroad. In September 1996, the Naugatuck Railroad (NAUG) began operations on the old Devon-Torrington Branch -- operated by the Railroad Museum of New England, NAUG is now a heritage railway, primarily an excursion and historic passenger operation, with an irregular freight service (as-needed).
Construction began on the Waterbury/Watertown Local Protection Project in December 1960 and was completed in October 1961, costing $263,000. It is a small project, built under Section 205 of the Corps’ Continuing Authorities Program. The project is operated and maintained by the city of Waterbury and the town of Watertown.
The project consists of 1,450 feet of earth dikes and 2,711 feet of concrete floodwall, both constructed along the east bank, and a stoplog structure at the railroad track. Work also included channel excavation in an area upstream of the former Chase Brass Dam.
The project extends from the high ground east of the railroad bridge near Thomaston Avenue to the southern end of the industrial complex, about one mile north of the mouth of Hancock Brook. It covers an area of about 4,515 feet.