CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546
FOR RELEASE: October 19, 2007	FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:    OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS    TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062    Fax: (860) 594-3066    Web site:www.ct.gov/dot

Continued Progress on Replacement of Catenary B and

Rail Bridge Work on the New Haven Line

Bridge repair work in South Norwalk Begins October 26

            As progress continues on the overhead wire replacement project along the New Haven Rail Line, the Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced that repair work on a rail bridge in South Norwalk will begin October 26. The overhead, or “catenary,” wires powering the trains are being replaced from Darien to Norwalk in the project. This project also includes major repair and reconstruction of three bridges, in Darien, the Rowayton section of Norwalk, and South Norwalk – as well as upgrading and replacement of 10 miles of overhead wire on all four tracks on this section of the New Haven Line.

            “The Department has made a commitment to upgrade and improve all facets of the rail system in Connecticut. Wire infrastructure and corresponding bridge work are just as important as purchasing a new rail fleet or building new rail stations,” said Transportation Commissioner Ralph J. Carpenter.  “The work being done in these areas will improve on-time performance and provide better rail service to our customers on the New Haven Line.”

            As bridge work begins on the Monroe Street Bridge in South Norwalk on Friday, October 26, the roadway below will be closed to through traffic on each day that work is scheduled to set the new bridge steel for Track 3.  Pedestrian traffic will be allowed below the bridge at all times and commuters will be asked to follow posted detour signs.  Construction on the Monroe Street Bridge roadway is scheduled to be completed within 30 days.  Work will then progress to other sections of the bridge and the track above.  

              “As the state continues to develop projects to meet future needs in public transportation, we appreciate the support provided by local communities, residents and commuters while the construction work is ongoing,” said Commissioner Carpenter.

            Additional bridge work is scheduled to begin on the Boston Post Road (Route 1) Rail Bridge in Darien starting in mid-November.  The Department has been working with local officials to minimize traffic impact and inconvenience to residents in the area.  Road closures will take place overnight to erect steel on this site.  The DOT anticipates continued work to also begin on the Rowayton Avenue Bridge in the coming months, with similar steps taken.