The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) reminds riders that track improvements on the Metro-North (MNR) New Canaan Branch Line begin on Tuesday, May 30, and substitute bus service will replace all train service. Trains cannot operate while this necessary work is being completed. This project is part of the tie replacement and track upgrades program. When finished, an existing speed restriction in the Stamford area will be eliminated, allowing trains to travel 20 miles per hour faster through this section. The track improvements and bus substitution begin Tuesday, May 30, 2023, and are estimated to run through August.
“Improving and modernizing our rail system help improve the safety and efficiency of the service. This project allows trains to travel faster. By getting people where they need to go more quickly, we are improving the customer experience,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Public Transportation Bureau Chief Ben Limmer. “We understand this work will pose an inconvenience, and we worked hard with Metro-North to provide express and local bus service to ensure passengers can reach their destination. We appreciate our customers understanding the importance of this work and remaining patient as the final phase of this project is completed over the summer.”
Express and local buses will be available at select New Canaan Line stations during peak morning and evening hours. Select express buses, also called zone buses, departing Talmadge Hill heading south or departing Stamford heading north, are expected to arrive at their destination quicker than the local buses. CTDOT staff will be available at select stations during the first week of bus substitutions to assist riders. Those continuing to New York from Stamford will travel by train.
This year, the Metro-North construction program includes the New Canaan Branch Line’s replacement of approximately 8,000 ties with a Pandrol fastening system, 1,600 feet of rail, insulated rail joints, and bridge timbers over the Noroton River Bridge. The MNR construction program also includes the remediation of mud spots at several locations, reinstatement of drainage along portions of the branch, reinstallation of new rail anchors, and surfacing the entire branch line.
The New Haven Line Track 5 work to lift the speed restriction includes the replacement of 830 ties, 1,200 feet of rail and bridge timbers over the Canal Street Bridge, Elm Street Bridge, and East Main Street Bridge, surfacing the entire stretch, and maintenance of the railway turnout by Elm Street.
Customers can access the complete substitute bus schedule at https://new.mta.info/agency/metro-north-railroad. Customers are encouraged to check the schedules and status of service before they travel.
All rail customers are encouraged to pre-purchase their rail tickets before boarding. Customers may use the MTA eTix app or ticket vending machines conveniently located at most New Haven Line stations. For information on how to use the MTA eTix app, visit https://new.mta.info/traintime.
For real-time service updates and information, customers can use the following options:
MYmta app – Customers who use the comprehensive MYmta smartphone app will see real-time travel information for all MTA services in one place.
new.mta.info – The “Service Status” box at new.mta.info is always the definitive source for the latest status for each line.
For those who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available by dialing 511. Connecticut customers should call (877) 690-5114. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred service provider for the free 711 relay to reach the MTA at 511.