Press Releases
10/23/2020
Train Service Set to Resume on the Waterbury Branch on Monday, October 26, 2020
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is pleased to announce the resumption of train service on the Waterbury Branch Line, beginning Monday, October 26, 2020. The restoration of rail service follows a six-month suspension and bussing of the service, to allow rail line construction projects to be accelerated.
During the suspension, the CTDOT and Metro-North Railroad accelerated components of a $116 million dollar capital improvement project to enhance service reliability and enable increased Waterbury Line rail service in the future. Work on the line includes signal and communications upgrades, track improvements, rail siding installation (to allow trains to pass), and bridge repairs to three major rail bridges in Derby, Seymour, and Naugatuck. The remaining work will be completed in 2021.
“Waterbury Branch improvements, not only to support and improve current operations but also future enhancements in the service, have been long overdue,” Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said. “I extend my appreciation to our customers who patiently tolerated the inconveniences, while at the same time our crews were able to accomplish so much work in such a short period.”
All rail customers are encouraged to pre-purchase their rail tickets before boarding. Customers may use the MTA eTix smartphone application or ticket vending machines at New Haven Line stations.
CTDOT and Metro-North Railroad would like to remind customers to always wear a mask or face covering and to practice social distancing to the greatest extent possible at stations and onboard trains. The Centers for Disease Control recommends a distance of six feet from others, when possible. Customers who feel sick should not use public transportation.
The updated Waterbury Line train schedule is available at www.mta.info/mnr. Customers are encouraged to check the schedules and status of service before they travel. Connecting bus service to Waterbury will be provided for the New Haven Line train scheduled to arrive in Bridgeport at 5:43 p.m.
For information on how to use the MTA eTix app visit www.mta.info/mta-etix.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: 860-594-3003
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTDOTOfficial