The Metro-North Railroad’s New Canaan Station lies at the northern end of the New Canaan Branch of the New Haven Line service.  The project consists of the horizontal and vertical realignment of the New Canaan Station Track NC3 (the Bulk Track) from its turnout off Track NC2 to the proposed new end of track.  Horizontally, Track NC3 will be shifted to the west to a distance of 13 feet from the centerline of Track NC2.  Vertically, Track NC3 will be raised approximately two (2) feet and its profile will closely mirror that of Track NC1.  In addition to the realignment, Track NC3 will be extended approximately 165 feet to the north, maintaining the horizontal and vertical controls noted above.

In order to accommodate the Track NC3 modifications, revisions to the existing commuter parking lot, the completion of repairs to the wall located behind 39 – 41 Pine Street, and the construction of a new retaining wall, both on the east side of Track NC3, are required.  Revisions to the commuter parking lot include the loss of seven (7) parking spaces, the reconfiguration of 29 other spaces, and modifications to lighting, curbing and fencing.  The proposed retaining wall, to contain the additional fill resulting from raising the profile of Track NC3, will be located behind the existing “saw-tooth” retaining wall at 39 - 41 Pine Street, on the east side of the railroad ROW, and will be approximately two (2) feet high (exposed face). Also included, to accommodate the Track NC3 extension, is the installation of two (2) new catenary poles and foundations (CAT216B and CAT217B).

The project is anticipated for award in March 2010 with construction in the field to run from August 2010 to November 2010.  This project has a Construction Cost Code of “E” ranging between $1 and $2.5 million and will be undertaken with Federal and State funds.  This project should have no permanent impacts to private property; however there will be impacts to the parking lot at 39 – 41 Pine Street during construction of the new retaining wall and the completion of repairs to the existing wall.  In addition, the existing commuter parking lot will be closed throughout the duration of construction.

The Public Information Meeting is being held to afford a full opportunity for public participation and to allow open discussion of any views and comments the community may have concerning this proposed project.

Plans of the proposed project will be on display for public review starting at 6:30 for the informal session.  Plans will also be posted on the Department of Transportation’s and the Town of New Canaan’s websites for review prior to the meeting.  ConnDOT personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss the project.  Anyone interested in requesting information on this project should contact Mr. Jay Young, Project Engineer, at (860) 594-2881 or via email at d.jay.young@ct.gov.  You may also send written inquiries to Mr. Mark D. Neri, Assistant Rail Administrator, State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, P. O. Box 317546, Newington, Connecticut 06131-7546.  Please refer to State Project No. 302-010 in all correspondence.

Any persons interested in this project are welcome to attend this meeting and discuss the project with ConnDOT personnel.