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

FOR RELEASE: March 29, 2018

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

Shore Line East Rail Service to be Impacted by Amtrak 2018 Season Track Work Project

 Some Trains To be Replaced by Buses Beginning April 23, 2018

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that beginning Monday, April 23, 2018, Amtrak will begin a major track work program between New Haven and Old Saybrook, affecting both Shore Line East and Amtrak customers.

Amtrak’s train maintenance program will address ongoing drainage issues along the railroad right of way and upgrade track conditions to improve the ride quality for customers. 

The work program entails using a Ballast Undercutting Machine to remove contaminated gravel, mud and fouled stone ballast from beneath the railroad tracks.  The installation of clean stone ballast and realignment of the track structure will follow the undercutting activities. 

Amtrak work forces will start in the Branford area and work east toward Old Saybrook, spanning a distance of 23 miles. The first segment, between Branford and Guilford, will last approximately four months followed by track work between Guilford and Old Saybrook. 

One of the two tracks will remain out of service throughout the program, requiring substitute bus service to operate in place of some Shore Line East trains.  In total, 15 trains will be canceled and replace by bus service.  Additionally, three trains will wait between 10 and 15 minutes intermediately in Guilford due to train conflicts. The substitute bus program will begin on Monday, April 23, 2018 and continue every weekday through November, 2018. 

Buses will be staged at most Shore Line East stations during weekday mornings to speed travel to New Haven and in the evening, express bus service will be available to most stations.  Morning buses will leave earlier than current train schedule and travel time will be slightly longer.  Any valid Shore Line East ticket will be accepted for travel on these buses.

“We’ve worked with Amtrak to minimize the inconvenience to our Shore Line East customers,” said CTDOT Rail Administrator Carl Jackson. “In the long run, Connecticut commuters will benefit from the track work being done by Amtrak. However, there will be some service and schedule changes affecting customers in the near term.”

Shore Line East customers are urged to check the service website at www.ShoreLineEast.com or call 1-800-255-7433 for the latest information.