CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: February 19, 2010

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

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that a series of public information meetings will be held for the Waterbury and New Canaan Branch Lines Needs and Feasibility Study.  The public will have an opportunity to hear about draft recommendations to improve transit service in the corridors.  The information will be used as part of the study to determine the long term needs of these branch lines.

The public information meetings are from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  They will begin with an open house to view study area maps and displays at 7:00 pm, followed by a presentation on draft recommendations at 7:30 pm and then a question/comment period.  Participants are encouraged to stay for the full two hours. 

 The meetings will be:

• Monday, March 8 at New Canaan Town Hall Auditorium, 77 Main Street, New Canaan, CT (Snow date: Monday, March 15)
• Wednesday, March 10 at the Waterbury Redevelopment Corporation Building, 2^nd Floor Brass City Room, 24 Leavenworth Street in Waterbury, CT (Snow date: Tuesday, March 16)
• Thursday, March 11 at Derby City Hall, Aldermanic Chambers, 2^nd Floor, 1 Elizabeth Street in Derby, CT (Snow Date: Thursday, March 18)

Participation in these public information meetings is strongly encouraged.  The public opinion and travel information collected will be an important component in finalizing an improvement plan for these corridors.

CTDOT is evaluating these branch lines in cooperation with the South West Regional Planning Agency, Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials, Greater Bridgeport Regional Planning Agency, Council of Governments of the Central Naugatuck Valley, the Valley Council of Governments, and other federal, state, and municipal agencies and local stakeholders. The goal of the study is to develop integrated transportation improvements that foster safety, efficiency, and mobility in the study corridors.

A Study Advisory Committee, comprised of a wide range of stakeholders has been instrumental in guiding each of these initiatives.  

To provide comments or to find out more information, please visit the study’s website at www.waterbury-newcanaanrail.org.