With construction on the interstates, proposed rail service from New Haven to Springfield, Mass., and Tweed New Haven Regional Airport searching for ways to stay in business, Connecticut has become a hub of transportation transformation. Follow continuing coverage here from the New Haven Register.
Friday, April 30, 2021
CTDOT eAlert: News from the Connecticut Department of Transportation
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.
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