CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT 06131-7546
FOR RELEASE: June 11, 2007	FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 Fax: (860) 594-3066 HOME-PAGE:www.ct.gov/dot

Commissioner Carpenter Announces Start of

Summer Construction Season

on the New Haven Line

Minor Time Schedule Changes Take Effect on Monday, June 11, 2007

On New Haven and Shore Line East Rail Lines

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) today announced that new timetables took effect on Monday, June 11^th for New Haven Line (NHL) and Shore Line East (SLE) riders.  The changes affect reverse-peak, off-peak and weekend train service in support of summer rail construction work on the New Haven Line.  The Shore Line East time adjustments are in coordination with the New Haven Line.  Various construction projects, such as installation of concrete rail ties, catenary and rail bridge work, increase during this summer construction season.  Minor timetable adjustments allow these construction projects to be completed in reduced timeframes. 

“The summer construction season is upon us, and with it rail infrastructure and rail track work will be in full force.  Over the past several years, increases in state and federal funding have supported the state’s effort to improve and update our rail infrastructure.  The summer offers us an opportunity to adjust the timetable a few minutes, gaining valuable time that helps reduce construction schedules.  As with highways and roads, we ask our customers to consult their local timetables and plan accordingly.  We appreciate your patience and support of Connecticut’s rail projects as we continue to update and improve rail service in the state,” said Transportation Commissioner Ralph J. Carpenter.  

The new schedule will affect various train departure times during off-peak hours and on weekends, adjusting either earlier or later by up to 10 minutes.  In many cases, off-peak trains will take an extra 3-5 minutes traveling along their route.  Customers should consult local train schedule listings for various time changes.  Timetables are available at Union Station in New Haven and at the Grand Central Information Booth in New York, or at local train stations and ticket offices.  Customers may also visit the web at www.mta.info or www.shorelineeast.com.

Over the past several months, the Department has been working with its operator, Metro-North Railroad (MNR), to provide more service on the New Haven Line.  New morning trains added on the April 1^st schedule change have increased ridership on morning peak service.  Five new trains were added to morning service, providing more seats and allowing customers to travel to Grand Central Terminal faster.  The additional trains are part of the ConnDOT’s and MNR’s effort to support customer commuting patterns with existing equipment.  The new M-8 rail fleet is currently under design.  The initial order includes 300 new rail cars, scheduled to arrive late in 2009.

“The state has been working closely with Metro-North to provide the best rail service and schedules utilizing the existing rail fleet.  Each adjustment provides a balance between customer needs and the need to improve rail infrastructure,” said Eugene J. Colonese, Rail Administrator.  “Both ConnDOT and MNR staff have been working diligently to develop a state-of-the-art design for the new rail fleet.  As we look to the near future, Connecticut will soon experience many new improvements and new equipment to meet our future ridership growth on state rail lines.”

The new timetables will be in effect until October 6, 2007.