CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: October 27, 2014

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

GOV. MALLOY: NEW INFRASTRUCTURE FEATURES WILL UPGRADE RIVERBEND RAIL CROSSING AND IMPROVE SAFTEY ON THE NEW HAVEN LINE

      Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) and the City of Stamford are ready to move forward on plans to rebuild and upgrade the Riverbend rail crossing in Stamford. The crossing provides access to offices and other development at Riverbend Center.

      “With investments like this, we are making good on the promise we made to residents to return the New Haven Line to a ‘best in class’ railroad,” said Governor Malloy. “Coupled with the other strategic, forward-thinking investments we have made to improve infrastructure and operations on this commuter line, we are moving closer to our end goal of ensuring safer and more frequent, reliable and convenient service for the tens of thousands of Connecticut residents who depend on this system every day.”

      The upgrades will include the installation of state-of-the-art safety equipment such as gates that will close when a train approaches.  The street-level crossing, which now has only flashing lights to alert motorists, is part of the New Canaan branch of the New Haven commuter railroad. The improvements will begin in April 2015 and be performed by Metro-North, which operates the New Haven Line under contract to ConnDOT.

      “The Riverbend project is a great example of how the city, state and private development can work together to address critical issues affecting the citizens of Stamford,” said Stamford Mayor David Martin. “We are looking forward to addressing other important issues as we continue making Stamford one of the safest place in the state to live and work.”

      “The safety of the community is paramount,” said State Sen. Carlo Leone (D-27). “I would like to thank Governor Malloy, Commissioner Redeker, the city of Stamford and the owners of River Bend Center for coming to an agreement that allows us to move forward on this important project.”

      “I want to thank the Commissioner and the Governor for making the Riverbend crossing a priority,” said State Rep. William Tong (D-147). “This is yet another critical public safety measure that makes a ton of sense for Stamford, and I’m glad we’re getting it done.”

      “Safety is everyone’s top priority and this project is a clear illustration of that commitment,” said ConnDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker. “I am pleased that our partnership with the City of Stamford and Riverbend Center has led to a successful commitment and plan for these safety improvements.”

      In addition to the gates and other improvements at the crossing, there will be repaving of the roadway approaches, and the installation of new traffic lights at the intersection of Hope Street and Riverbend Drive South.