CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: July 6, 2017

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Danbury and Waterbury Branch Rail Lines;

Suspension of Service for Signal Upgrades and Track Maintenance Work

         The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and Metro-North Railroad will be performing critical maintenance work on the Danbury and Waterbury Branch Lines during the following weekends: July 7-9, Danbury Branch; July 14-16, Waterbury Branch; July 21-23, Waterbury Branch; July28-30, Waterbury Branch; and, August 4-6 Waterbury Branch. The work will require the suspension of rail service, beginning with the last two trains on Friday night and including all train service on Saturday and Sunday.  Alternate bus service will be provided throughout the outage.  Normally scheduled train service will resume on Monday morning after each weekend.

         The work planned during the weekend outages includes the replacement of track and crossing surfaces at a number of railroad/roadway crossings; installation of electrical conduit related to the future signalization of the Waterbury Branch; installation of signal transponders related to the implementation of Positive Train Control on the Waterbury Branch and Danbury Branches; and repairs to bridge structures.  The planned outages not only help CDOT and Metro North keep pace with regularly scheduled maintenance activities but also will speed the installation of a full signal system on the Waterbury Branch, a project that will significantly increase capacity on the line and is scheduled for completion in 2020. 

         Bus schedules for the planned outages will approximate the existing train schedule and notices will be posted at stations and online at www.ct.gov/dot and www.mta.info/mnr.