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

FOR RELEASE: February 24, 2014

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

                              Supplemental Bus Service on Danbury Branch Rail Line

      The Connecticut Department of Transportation plans to begin using buses to supplement service on the Danbury branch of the New Haven commuter rail line while recent operational conditions on the branch are addressed. Peak-hour trains will continue to operate; buses will be used during off-peak and weekend hours.

      In recent weeks, the Danbury branch has experienced issues with the new technology implemented at certain railroad crossings in late 2013 as part of the Danbury Signalization Project. The issues cause grade crossing gates and light to activate on occasion when no train is in the area. Metro-North Railroad, the operator of the New Haven Line, has taken steps to reduce impacts on traffic and ensure safe train operation.

      Metro-North and the DOT are working aggressively to develop service plans to mitigate delays and will announce an interim service plan on Wednesday to begin on Saturday, March 1, 2014.

      In addition, Metro-North and the DOT are working with the signal project contractor to determine the cause or causes of the crossing issues to develop technical solutions.

      Since the issues were identified, trains have been operating on a “stop and warn” system, requiring the train to stop before each crossing and warn motorists that a train is coming through. This practice has reduced train speeds and affected service.

      About 2,200 commuters use the Danbury branch on an average weekday.