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

FOR RELEASE: October 27, 2015

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

STAMFORD TRANSPORTATION CENTER PARKING GARAGE UPDATE

Pedestrian bridge to close; commuters should budget more time to catch their trains

      The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the closing of the pedestrian bridge and stairs connecting the original commuter parking garage to the Stamford Transportation Center (STC) in order to facilitate work to reopen part of the garage. Commuters are urged to budget more time to catch their trains.  As portions of the improvements are completed, pedestrian access from the STC to the expanded garage, through the original garage, will be returned to service.

      CTDOT said that the $1.5 million repair project should take about six months and that the top and bottom levels of the parking garage will be open by May of 2016, accommodating about 270 cars. The entire 727-space garage has been closed since April 13, 2015, due to safety concerns related to deteriorating concrete at the nearly 30-year-old facility.

      Commuters with a valid monthly parking permit have been and will continue to be accommodated within the newer, expanded 1,200-space area of the facility. The pedestrian bridge, stairs and elevator directly from the expanded section will remain fully accessible.  Please allow additional time to move between the garage and the STC in this transition.  Notice signage will be posted on current paths before closures begin.

      Minimal disruption to traffic on Station Place is anticipated; repair operations will be scheduled outside of peak commuter traffic times. All existing vehicle access points will remain open during peak hours, however pedestrian access will be restricted during the project work period.

      CTDOT performed extensive testing to determine if portions of the garage could be safely reopened, and it was determined that the major structural components of the garage are safe and have sufficient capacity to support parking.  Temporary, overhead shielding will be installed at the ground level and intermediate levels of the garage to protect vehicles and the public.  It will also enable pedestrian access to and from the pedestrian bridge on the fourth floor of the original garage, to and from the Stamford Station concourse. 

      Non-permit holders can find available parking at the nearby Gateway Garage on Washington Boulevard.  This facility also features an elevated pedestrian crossing linking the garage to the rail station platform.