CTDOT Press Releases
09/01/2023
Reminder: Temporary Shore Line East Construction Schedule Takes Effect September 5, 2023
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is reminding Shore Line East (SLE) riders that a temporary construction schedule takes effect on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. These temporary schedule modifications are required for Amtrak to complete its Fitter Interlocking Project, which will improve reliability and limit future service impacts when maintenance on the tracks is required. This necessary trackwork is anticipated to be completed by the end of December 2023.
Due to the work and schedule change, CTDOT requested that Amtrak expand the number of available trains through its cross-honoring ticket system. This expansion during construction work allows SLE multi-ride ticket holders to ride a select number of Amtrak trains by utilizing Amtrak’s Ride Reserve program, which can be found here. Passengers must reserve a seat in advance through Amtrak’s mobile app or the Amtrak website. Multi-ride ticket types include:
- SLE Monthly Ticket
- SLE Monthly Plus Bus Ticket
- Metro-North Railroad (MNR)/SLE Monthly UniRail Ticket
- MNR/SLE Weekly UniRail Ticket
- SLE Ten-Trip Ticket
In addition to the Amtrak cross-honoring system, alternative bus commuting options are available. The following bus routes will accept all SLE tickets except the SLE Ten-Trip Ticket:
- CTtransit Route 201:
- This bus stops in New Haven, Branford, Guilford, and Madison. The Route 201 weekday schedule can be found here.
- River Valley Transit Route 641:
- This bus stops in Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, and Madison. The Route 641 schedule can be found here.
- River Valley Transit Route 643:
- This bus stops in Old Saybrook, East Lyme, Old Lyme, and New London. The Route 643 schedule can be found here.
“Projects that improve safety and reliability are needed to create a rail system that customers expect. Working on the railroad is dangerous, and this project cannot happen while trains pass through the territory. This is why these temporary schedule adjustments were made,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. “We know these schedule changes will impact SLE customers, and we appreciate their patience as Amtrak completes this project on its rail line.”
Passengers can find the temporary SLE construction schedule here and are encouraged to visit ShoreLineEast.com for the latest service information. Riders can sign up for alerts sent directly to their phone or email at shorelineeast.com/service-alerts.
Specific information regarding the proposed post-construction SLE schedule will be released this fall. Public hearings will be scheduled to allow for public input on the proposed post-construction SLE schedule, in accordance with federal requirements and CTDOT public involvement procedures.
SLE passengers are encouraged to pre-purchase their rail tickets before boarding. CTrail passengers may purchase their rail tickets using the CTrail eTix mobile ticketing app at CTrail ticket vending machines in New Haven or Amtrak ticket windows in New Haven, Old Saybrook, and New London (credit and debit cards only).
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
860-594-3062
CTDOTMedia@ct.gov
Twitter: @CTDOTOfficial
Facebook: Connecticut Department of Transportation
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