CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546
FOR RELEASE:November 13 , 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 (DOT) today announced that MTA Metro-North Railroad (MNR) will begin replacing ties on the Danbury Branch on Thursday, November 13, to maintain a safe, smooth ride.  In order to accomplish this important work, bus service will replace selected trains in both directions between Danbury, Bethel, Redding, and Branchville stations on weekdays beginning Thursday November 13 and ending Friday December 5.

          “Throughout Connecticut, rail infrastructure work is ongoing to maintain and upgrade current rail service.  Catenary structures are being replaced, bridges and tie replacement work is underway as the state continues to improve and bring to a state of good repair our rail infrastructure,” said Eugene J. Colonese, DOT Rail Administrator.  “This temporary service change is being done to accommodate a better, smoother ride on the Danbury Branch.  Working with our operator, Metro-North Railroad, minimal service interruptions is anticipated.  We appreciate your patience as we rebuild Connecticut’s rail service.”

          Please note that regularly scheduled northbound and southbound train service will operate between Branchville, Cannondale, Wilton, Merritt 7, and South Norwalk stations. 

          Buses will be substituted for the following trains departing from Branchville to Danbury:  9:16 a.m. 11:37 a.m., and 2:37 p.m.

          Buses will be substituted for the following trains departing Danbury to Branchville (for a train connection) will be converted to buses:  9:55 a.m., 12:42 p.m., and 3:15 p.m.

          On Wednesday, November 26 buses will substitute only for the 9:16 a.m. and 11:37 a.m. trains on northbound trains and the 9:55 a.m. and 12:42 p.m. on southbound trains.  Full train service will be reinstated for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend when a special schedule will be in effect on the entire Danbury Branch.  Please look for special holiday schedules and times. 

          For further information, please call 800-METRO-INFO outside of NYC, or 212-532-4900 within NYC.  The hearing impaired may call, via teleprinter, 800-724-3322.  You may also contact us on our website www.mta.info.