CTDOT eAlert: News from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Announces Upcoming Infrastructure Improvements on the Waterbury Branch; Substitute Busing Necessary Posted on April 30 , 2021 Today, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced the continuation of infrastructure improvements on the Waterbury Branch this spring and summer, requiring substitute bus service to replace train service. This work builds on the successful 2020 construction program that accelerated construction of the new Waterbury Branch signal system and new passing sidings. This year, the construction program includes completion of the new passing sidings, at-grade crossing improvements, continuation of tie replacement and track upgrades, and completion of the signal system.   The scheduled construction activities will require two phases of work that will require busing of Waterbury Branch customers: The initial phase of the work will take place during overnight hours beginning on Monday, May 10, 2021, and continuing through Friday, May 28, 2021. During this period, buses will substitute for the last train from Waterbury and last two Waterbury-bound trains departing from Bridgeport on weekdays (details below). The second phase will begin on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, and continue through Sunday, August 29, 2021. During this period, substitute buses will operate between Waterbury and Bridgeport for all weekday and weekend service (details below). Express bus service between Waterbury and Bridgeport will be offered. With ridership still reduced due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this second phase of work can be accomplished while minimizing inconveniences to customers. These improvements are a priority of the CTDOT as part of an overall $116 million capital improvement project, which when completed, will enable increased Waterbury Branch service.   "The Connecticut Department of Transportation has continued to move forward to modernize and improve the Waterbury Branch which will bolster efficiency, safety, and the overall customer experience," said Joe Giulietti, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation. "These upgrades will help support additional rail service on the line in the future, and we appreciate the patience and understanding of our fantastic customers as we enter the final phases of work activity."   "These improvements will give our Waterbury customers safer and more reliable service for years to come," said Catherine Rinaldi, President of Metro-North Railroad. "We are in lockstep with our partners at the Connecticut Department of Transportation to ensure that our customers using the Waterbury Branch will maintain as comfortable a commute as possible while this vital infrastructure work is completed."   Substitute Bus Service Details for May 10 – May 28, 2021 Substitute buses will operate between Waterbury and Bridgeport for the last southbound train and the last two northbound trains of the day from Monday, May 10, 2021, through Friday, May 28, 2021. Buses will operate 15 to 30 minutes earlier than scheduled trains.    Bridgeport-bound: 9:38 p.m. bus departing Waterbury and arriving at Bridgeport at 10:30 p.m. with a connection to the 11:05 p.m. train departing Bridgeport, arriving at Grand Central Terminal at 12:50 a.m.  Waterbury-bound: The 8:13 p.m. bus departing Bridgeport, arriving at Waterbury at 9:05 p.m.   The 11:51 p.m. bus departing Bridgeport, arriving at Waterbury at 12:43 a.m.   Customers can access the substitute bus schedule for May 10, 2021, through May 28, 2021, here: mta.info/mnr.   Substitute Bus Service Details for June 1 – August 29, 2021 Substitute bus service will operate between Waterbury and Bridgeport in both directions, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, beginning Tuesday, June 1, 2021 through Sunday, August 29, 2021. Beginning Tuesday, June 1, 2021, customers can access the full schedule here: mta.info/mnr.   Channels for Service Updates   Information about the planned schedule change noted in this press release, and all planned service changes, is available through the MTA and Metro-North's many real-time service information sources.   new.MTA.info – The "Service Status" box at new.MTA.info is always the definitive source for the latest status for each line.   Email and text message service updates – Customers are urged to sign up to receive alerts, tailored by specific line and time of day, by visiting MyMTAAlerts.com.     Twitter – Twitter users can follow @MetroNorth to receive dynamic service updates and customer service support.    TrainTime app – Metro-North unveiled major upgrades to its TrainTime app late last year to keep customers updated by the second. The upgraded app includes real-time capacity tracking to enhance social distancing, real-time train location updated every three seconds and is available in six languages.    WhatsApp – Metro-North recently started using WhatsApp to expand the number of customer service channels available to riders and is especially helpful for non-native English speakers. Customers can receive customer service support in their native language through the help of Google Translate.    Facebook – Facebook users can message Metro-North on its Facebook page to speak with a customer service representative.   These communication channels can be accessed while at home or on the go. For customers who are located at stations, the MTA will post the latest service updates on digital signs at station platforms and will make audio announcements over public address systems. Also, train crews will make on-board announcements.    For those who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available by dialing 511, the New York State Travel Information Line. 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.  Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly

CTDOT eAlert: News from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Announces Public Hearings on Proposed Service and Fare Changes for Bus and Rail Posted on April 29 , 2021 Today, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced four public hearings to gather input on rail service and fare changes that were previously made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the temporary suspension of peak rail fares and the proposed elimination of the Mail & Ride fare program. The hearings will also cover proposed service changes to CTtransit bus service and minor fare changes on two CTtransit Express bus routes. Service changes to trains on the New Haven Line, New Canaan Line, Danbury Line, Waterbury Line, Shore Line East, and Hartford Line were previously implemented due to sudden and significant declines in ridership. Proposed bus changes include service changes to CTtransit Express bus service in the greater Hartford area and expansion of CTtransit New Haven area service; and minor fare changes for CTtransit Express routes 950 and 912. At these hearings, CTDOT will provide information and accept public comments on the service and fare changes and the Service and Fare Equity (SAFE) analysis. The SAFE analysis evaluates the changes to determine if they will cause a disparate impact to minority persons or a disproportionate burden to people with low incomes. The service and fare changes, many of which have already been implemented, may be viewed on CTDOT's website at www.ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the hearings will be conducted virtually using the Zoom online platform and a toll-free conference call feature. All public hearings will be recorded and published online for later viewing. The public hearings will also be live streamed using Microsoft Teams Live Event and YouTube. The following is the schedule of hearings:   DATE TIME Tuesday, May 18, 2021   6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, 2021   6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday, May 20, 2021   12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2021   12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Registration is encouraged; however, it is only required for those would wish to provide a comment during the hearing. To register, please visit www.ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges or call (860) 597-8226 and leave a voicemail with your full name and contact information. Registration will be accepted up to the day of the hearing and will remain open for the duration of the hearing. Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department of Transportation at (860) 594-2109 at least 5 business days prior to the hearing. Persons having a hearing and/or speech disability may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS). Language assistance is provided at no cost and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance. For more information on how to attend the public hearings, information on the proposed changes, and to access the SAFE analysis please visit: www.ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges. The public comment period for the proposed service and fare changes and the SAFE analysis will run from April 29 to May 28, 2021. CTDOT encourages all members of the public to participate in one or more of the scheduled public hearings and/or submit written comments by mail to COMMENT ON PROPOSED FARE AND SERVICE CHANGES, Connecticut Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 317546, Newington, CT 06131-7546; by email at dot.proposedtransitchanges@ct.gov or by calling (860) 597-8226. CTDOT will review and consider all comments received during the public comment period and take those comments into consideration when approving the final service and fare proposal. For general questions please email us dot.proposedtransitchanges@ct.gov or call (860) 597-8226. Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly

CTDOT eAlert: News from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation Connecticut Department of Transportation Goes Orange for National Work Zone Awareness Week; Marks 'Go Orange Day' on April 28, Urges Support for all Roadway Workers Posted on April 28 , 2021 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and states across the country are promoting National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) from April 26-30, 2021. The theme for National Work Zone Awareness Week 2021 is "Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives!" The national and state campaigns are designed to raise awareness and educate the public about using caution in work zones to increase the safety of workers, motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists on the roads. Today, on Go Orange Day, Wednesday, April 28, members of the CTDOT and the public are donning orange to bring much needed attention to work zone safety. This year alone, there have been 66 crashes in Connecticut work zones—all of which could have been prevented. In 2020, there were 880 crashes reported in work zones and four people tragically lost their lives. "Together, we stand united with every one of our colleagues, every CTDOT worker who puts themselves in harm's way when they go to work on Connecticut's highways and roadways," said CTDOT Commissioner Joe Giulietti. "The CTDOT has a job to do, let our people—the best in the business—do it. I'm calling on all of Connecticut's motorists, please drive safe, slow down, move over, and obey the orange and you can truly save lives." Connecticut's motto "Obey the Orange – Slow Down for Work Zones" emphasizes that each of us – whether motorist, pedestrian, or worker – can play a role in reducing the number of crashes and injuries by exercising caution in roadway work zones. Participate in NWZAW and Go Orange Day – Wednesday, April 28 – by spreading the message of work zone safety with your friends, family, and community and by liking, commenting and sharing on social media using the hashtags #NWZAW #ObeyTheOrange and #GoOrange4Safety. To learn more about NWZAW, visit www.NWZAW.org and visit the Department of Transportation Work Zone Safety Committee page, www.facebook.com/CTWorkZoneSafety. Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly