THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FULFILLS COMMITMENT TO OPEN HIGH STREET

IN TIME FOR MILFORD’S OYSTER FESTIVAL

Opening of High Street, Eastbound Platform Extension and ADA Ramps

at Milford Station on track for 

Metro-North and Shore Line East Rail Service

Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) officials have announced that High Street in Milford, Connecticut will re-open for vehicular traffic on or about Friday August 18th, 2006. This opening will facilitate traffic flow in time for the Milford Oyster Festival weekend, as promised by the agency.  

“We are pleased to fulfill our commitment to reopen High Street to car traffic in time for the Oyster Festival.  We understand the inconvenience the entire construction project may have imposed on local businesses, commuters and the public over the past year, and appreciate the patience extended during this time,” said Commissioner Ralph J. Carpenter.

The High Street construction project is part of an ongoing effort to replace and/or rehabilitate bridges, station and catenary on the Metro-North New Haven Line between Devon and New Haven.  This project is part of the Milford Station and Catenary and Bridge Improvement Project.

“Connecticut is undertaking an aggressive rail improvement program that includes shoring up rail infrastructure, improving train stations and platforms, providing additional parking as well as building the next generation of rail fleet in the state,” said Commissioner Carpenter. “These projects are part of the state’s continued effort to meet future needs on the Connecticut commuter rail system.  We look forward to the years ahead with an improved public transportation system.”

In conjunction with the opening of High Street, the eastbound platform extension on the south side of Milford Station is tentatively scheduled to open by Labor Day.  The ADA Ramps on the North and South sides of Milford Station will allow access to both platforms.  A separate press release will be sent when the work is completed.

The remaining work to be completed after the High Street opening includes turf establishment, final course of pavement and permanent line striping and signing.  This work will be performed during regular work shifts after the roadway is opened.

“The Department will be working to complete the remaining pieces of the project in the coming months.  We thank the public for their support during this time as the state rebuilds rail infrastructure, and appreciate the patience our passengers and the local community extended during these improvements and upgrades on the New Haven Line.” said Eugene J. Colonese, Rail Administrator.

Commuters should continue to follow the posted detour signs during this time.  Please allow for extra time to reach the train station and board your train as construction activities are continuing.  The Milford Station parking lots will be accessible during these activities.  Access to the New York bound, north side parking lots, is from High Street north of the High Street Bridge.  Access to the New Haven bound, south side parking lots, is from High Street south of the bridge.

Traffic control personnel will continue to be on site directing motorists and pedestrians during the construction operations.  Pedestrian traffic below the bridge will be maintained at all times.