CT's Trains, Planes and Automobiles: May 2023

Monday, May 22, 2023

Additional Amtrak Northeast Regional Train Service Starts June 5

New Northeast Regional trains provide riders direct access to New York Penn Station ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version

Connecticut

Department of Transportation

Additional Amtrak Northeast Regional Train Service

Posted on May 22 , 2023

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), and Amtrak are pleased to announce the addition of two Amtrak Northeast Regional trains originating on the Hartford Line beginning June 5, 2023. Amtrak Northeast Regional trains offer customers single-seat rides from Connecticut to New York City. With stops in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford, these new Northeast Regional trains provide riders direct access to New York Penn Station. Riders can go from Hartford to Penn Station in less than three hours.

"Bringing additional train service and more options for riders along the Hartford and New Haven Lines is the result of a strong collaboration between CTDOT and our partners. We worked closely with Amtrak, MTA Metro-North Railroad, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to make this happen," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Governor Lamont has charged us to improve rail travel in the state and give people more sustainable travel options. We delivered on the Super Express trains, which get riders from New Haven to New York in as little as 99 minutes, and now we are bringing this service to riders through funding provided in the Governor's budget last year. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this possible. I look forward to future collaborations with our regional partners so we can continue to provide additional environmentally friendly commuting options for riders."

"We appreciate the partnership with the Connecticut Department of Transportation, MTA Metro-North Railroad, and Amtrak, which is leading to additional train service from Springfield," said Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca. "These additional trips providing direct service between Western Massachusetts and New York City enhance the rail network and will make passenger train service an even more attractive travel option for visitors and residents. Additional travel by train will have many benefits, including taking vehicles off the roads, lessening traffic congestion, and helping to reduce greenhouse gases."

"Adding two new Northeast Regional trains between Springfield and New York City meets the growing demand of train travel and allows more people to experience the benefits of passenger rail," said Amtrak President Roger Harris. "Thanks to our collaboration with MassDOT and CTDOT, and with support from MTA Metro North, we can offer more service, reduce travel times and provide greater travel flexibility for our customers, including arriving in New York from Springfield and Hartford before 9 a.m."

Amtrak Northeast Regional trains offer single-seat ride options from Hartford to New York Penn Station with intermediary stops in New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford. Customers can leave Hartford Union Station at 5:26 AM and arrive at New York Penn Station at 8:10 AM or leave Hartford at 8:35 AM and arrive in New York at 11:21 AM. Riders heading north can depart from New York at 6:59 PM and get into Hartford at 9:51 PM or leave New York by 8:50 PM and get into Hartford at 11:41 PM.

Some additional service changes were made to the Hartford Line service to accommodate this addition. Updated schedules can be found at HartfordLine.com.

For information about all rail services in Connecticut, visit CTrail.com.

Friday, May 19, 2023

Track Work on the New Canaan Branch Line Begins May 30

Following completion, train speeds will increase by 20 mph. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version

Connecticut

Department of Transportation

Track Improvement Work on the Metro-North New Canaan Branch Line Begins Tuesday, May 30, 2023; Substitute Busing will be in Place Through August

Posted on May 19 , 2023

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) reminds riders that track improvements on the Metro-North (MNR) New Canaan Branch Line begin on Tuesday, May 30, and substitute bus service will replace all train service. Trains cannot operate while this necessary work is being completed. This project is part of the tie replacement and track upgrades program. When finished, an existing speed restriction in the Stamford area will be eliminated, allowing trains to travel 20 miles per hour faster through this section. The track improvements and bus substitution begin Tuesday, May 30, 2023, and are estimated to run through August.

"Improving and modernizing our rail system help improve the safety and efficiency of the service. This project allows trains to travel faster. By getting people where they need to go more quickly, we are improving the customer experience," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Public Transportation Bureau Chief Ben Limmer. "We understand this work will pose an inconvenience, and we worked hard with Metro-North to provide express and local bus service to ensure passengers can reach their destination. We appreciate our customers understanding the importance of this work and remaining patient as the final phase of this project is completed over the summer."

Express and local buses will be available at select New Canaan Line stations during peak morning and evening hours. Select express buses, also called zone buses, departing Talmadge Hill heading south or departing Stamford heading north, are expected to arrive at their destination quicker than the local buses. CTDOT staff will be available at select stations during the first week of bus substitutions to assist riders. Those continuing to New York from Stamford will travel by train. Passengers can find the detailed schedule here.

This year, the Metro-North construction program includes the New Canaan Branch Line's replacement of approximately 8,000 ties with a Pandrol fastening system, 1,600 feet of rail, insulated rail joints, and bridge timbers over the Noroton River Bridge. The MNR construction program also includes the remediation of mud spots at several locations, reinstatement of drainage along portions of the branch, reinstallation of new rail anchors, and surfacing the entire branch line.

The New Haven Line Track 5 work to lift the speed restriction includes the replacement of 830 ties, 1,200 feet of rail and bridge timbers over the Canal Street Bridge, Elm Street Bridge, and East Main Street Bridge, surfacing the entire stretch, and maintenance of the railway turnout by Elm Street.

Customers can access the complete substitute bus schedule at https://new.mta.info/agency/metro-north-railroad. Customers are encouraged to check the schedules and status of service before they travel.

All rail customers are encouraged to pre-purchase their rail tickets before boarding. Customers may use the MTA eTix app or ticket vending machines conveniently located at most New Haven Line stations. For information on how to use the MTA eTix app, visit https://new.mta.info/traintime.

For real-time service updates and information, customers can use the following options:

MYmta app – Customers who use the comprehensive MYmta smartphone app will see real-time travel information for all MTA services in one place.

new.mta.info – The "Service Status" box at new.mta.info is always the definitive source for the latest status for each line.

For those who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available by dialing 511. 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.

Friday, May 12, 2023

CTDOT Announces Temporary Shuttle for the Gold Star Memorial Bridge Begins May 15

Shuttle to connect Groton and New London for pedestrians and bicyclists ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version

Connecticut

Department of Transportation

05/12/2023

CTDOT Announces Temporary Shuttle for the Gold Star Memorial Bridge Begins May 15

Shuttle to connect Groton and New London for pedestrians and bicyclists

(Newington, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has announced a temporary no-cost shuttle will provide transportation services crossing the Southbound span of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge. This service will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the Bridge while the sidewalk is closed for evaluation, testing and repair.

The shuttle will begin Monday, May 15, 2023, and run seven days per week, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. The pedestrian walkway has been closed to pedestrians since it was damaged due to the fatal vehicle crash in April.

The Gold Star Bridge Shuttle will run on continuous 30-minute loops with stops at Williams Street & Bailey Circle (Southbound), Bridge Street in Groton, 121 Riverview Avenue, and 1 Bailey Circle. The 20-passenger shuttle bus will display "Gold Star Bridge Shuttle" and can carry two bicycles.

"One of our guiding principles at CTDOT is ensuring that our transportation system is accessible to everyone, including pedestrians and bicyclists. The need for pedestrian and bicyclist crossing access to be restored quickly has been a priority for our team following April's tragic crash," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "I want to thank my entire team who has supported this effort including those worked hard to get this service in place, the response team who was immediately on site in April, and the team working to evaluate and repair the damage."

The temporary Gold Star Bridge Shuttle will be provided at no cost to users; however, no transfers will be issued. The shuttle service is ADA-accessible.

The complete Gold Star Bridge Shuttle schedule is below.

For additional transportation options and help planning a commute, visit CTrides.com.

# # #