CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546
FOR RELEASE:December 04 , 2008	FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:    OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS    TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062    Fax: (860) 594-3066    Web site:www.ct.gov/dot

          The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) and Metro-North Railroad (MNR) today hosted a demonstration of high technology of the New Haven catenary system.  Gerken SAS, a French manufacturer of carbon brushes, and Selectra, an Italian  technical analysis company, have been hired by MNR to perform a series of  detailed, high-tech examinations of the New Haven Line catenary system over a two-year period.

“Operating a modern day rail system requires modern day technologies in support.  This new system of inspection and data collecting will allow MNR and the state to make better decisions and be more proactive to address issues before they can impact rail service,” said ConnDOT Commissioner Joseph F. Marie.

The new high-tech process will allow the state and its operator, MNR, to gather information, view the integrity of the catenary and identify potentially faulty areas to ensure reliable rail operations.  The two-year contract is about $400,000.  The current service agreement puts Connecticut’s share at 65 percent and MNR’s share at 35 percent.

“The Department has been working over the last decade to replace and improve the New Haven Line (NHL) catenary system.  Constant inspection of the current system and a proactive approach to repairs is also needed.  We thank MNR for continued improvements made on NHL operations and look forward to working with them when the next generation of our rail fleet begins to arrive in the coming years,” said Commissioner Marie.

ConnDOT has been working to improve current maintenance and operation of the entire catenary system.  A 46-mile upgrade to the existing catenary system has been on-going from the New York border to the New Haven rail yard in four stages with a constant-tension wire supporting system, designed for the maximum speed allowed by track geometry and other physical constraints. Any disruption in the catenary system can delay rail service for MNR customers.