Thursday, August 13, 2026

Reductions to New Haven Line Train Service Between Stamford and New Haven Planned for Select Weekends Beginning September 12

Train Customers Encouraged to Seek Alternate Forms of Transportation; Local Metro-North Service Between Grand Central and Stamford Not Affected. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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Special Weekend Train Schedules Planned for WALK Bridge Construction: Major Reductions to Train Service Between Stamford and New Haven Planned for Select Weekends Beginning September 12

The Connecticut Department of Transportation, Metro-North Railroad, and Amtrak today announced that to support critical high tower cable removal at the WALK Bridge Replacement Project in Norwalk, Metro-North and Amtrak trains will run on modified schedules with reduced service between New Haven and New York along the New Haven Line during select weekends, beginning September 12 through November 1. 

Passengers traveling on Metro-North’s New Haven Line and Amtrak should plan for significant weekend service adjustments as construction continues on the WALK Bridge. Beginning Saturday and Sunday, September 12-13, Metro-North and Amtrak will operate on modified weekend schedules with reduced service. Metro-North schedules will be adjusted across the New Haven Line between New York, Stamford, and New Haven. Metro-North local service on the western half of the line between Grand Central and Stamford, including all stations in Westchester County and Greenwich, will not be affected except for a schedule adjustment to one Saturday-only morning train. Customers are advised to check schedules prior to travel during affected weekends.

The September 12-13 service adjustment is the first of five weekend service reductions over eight weeks scheduled through November 1, 2026. During these weekends, train service between New Haven and Stamford will be significantly limited. Metro-North trains may be crowded because of the reduction in service. To view the latest train schedule and service info, visit MTA.info/alerts or use the MTA TrainTime app.

During these weekends, Amtrak service between New York and New Haven will also be extremely limited. To view the latest ticket availability, visit Amtrak.com or use the Amtrak app.

These schedule modifications are necessary to allow crews to safely remove two 234-foot-tall utility towers and overhead wire systems on the existing 130-year-old WALK Bridge, which crosses the Norwalk River in Norwalk, CT. This work is a major milestone in the WALK Bridge Replacement Program and is essential to maintaining long-term reliability along the Northeast Corridor.

“The WALK Bridge Replacement Program continues to make progress, with work this fall marking a major milestone for a new, modern, resilient bridge along the Northeast Corridor. The Northeast Corridor is vital to Connecticut and the region, and this project delivers much needed, long-term improvements,” Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. “None of this would be possible without the strong partnerships between federal, state, and local governments and the collaboration with Metro-North and Amtrak. We thank customers for their patience as we deliver a bridge that will serve them and the entire Northeast Corridor for generations to come.” 

“The WALK Bridge replacement is a generational investment in the New Haven Line and the customers that rely on it,” Justin Vonashek, president of Metro-North Railroad said. “The major improvement projects on the New Haven Line will reduce travel times, increase reliability, and improve our customers’ experience. We’re proud to partner with the State of Connecticut on upgrades that will strengthen the region and support a modern, resilient railroad for the future.”

“Investing in modern rail infrastructure is essential to delivering the safe, reliable, and efficient service our customers expect, and Amtrak is proud to partner with CTDOT on this important project,” Amtrak Executive Vice President, Strategy, and Planning Jennifer Mitchell said. “While this work will require short-term weekend schedule adjustments, the end result will deliver long-term benefits for travelers in Connecticut and across the Northeast Corridor.”

Train Service Changes Planned During WALK Bridge Construction Weekends

To support critical construction activities for the WALK Bridge Program this fall, Metro-North Railroad will operate a modified train service on select weekends while working to maximize travel options and available capacity for customers.

During each affected weekend, Metro-North service will include:

  • Grand Central-New Haven trains on reduced frequencies and capacities.
  • A shuttle train service operating between New Haven and Bridgeport.
  • Main-line trains operating between Grand Central Terminal and South Norwalk, with express service between Grand Central Terminal and Stamford and local service between Stamford and South Norwalk.

Sept. 12-13 and Sept. 19-20: Wire Demolition Work

The weekends of Sept. 12-13 and 19-20 will see the most significant adjustments to New Haven Line schedules during the WALK Bridge reconstruction project because of the demolition of the legacy catenary wire infrastructure that powers the electric trains. A diesel-powered service plan will be implemented for trains between GCT and New Haven during wire-demolition activities. Trains will operate approximately every 90 minutes through the work zone.

Because of the wire-demolition activities, diesel equipment will be assigned to the New Haven Line for these weekends to operate through trains between New Haven and Grand Central. The diesel-hauled trains have less capacity than the normal electric trains, so customers should expect crowding. Customers traveling to and from New York City are encouraged to use the high-capacity parking garages at Stamford and South Norwalk to ride the more frequent trains between those stations. Use the MTA TrainTime app or visit MTA.info/alerts for train-service options.

Customers should expect significantly reduced seating capacity and potential crowding, with approximately 55% fewer seats available compared with a typical weekend schedule.

Oct. 10-11 and Oct. 17-18: High Tower Work

During high tower construction activities on these weekends, electric train service will continue to operate through the WALK Bridge reconstruction zone during scheduled work windows. Approximately five trains are planned to operate during each work window to maximize customer travel opportunities, but there will be approximately 30% fewer seats available compared with a typical weekend schedule.

Metro-North will issue special schedules for the October work weekends in late September. Passengers are encouraged to review schedules before traveling and allow additional time for their trip during these construction weekends.

Plan Before You Travel

The construction schedule is subject to change.

Customers are encouraged to review train schedules and service information using the MTA TrainTime and Amtrak apps before traveling.

Project Information: WALKBridgeCT.com

Stay informed:

Customer information:

  • Connecticut: 877-690-5114
  • New York: 511

About the WALK Bridge Replacement Project

The WALK Bridge Replacement Project replaces the 130-year-old railroad bridge over the Norwalk River, a critical link on the New Haven Line and Northeast Corridor that serves hundreds of passenger trains each day, including Metro-North and Amtrak service. The new bridge will improve reliability, reduce service disruptions, and enhance rail operations for decades to come.

Media Contacts


Wednesday, August 5, 2026

CTDOT Releases Draft Connecticut Statewide Freight Plan for Public Comment

Public invited to review and comment on the draft plan through September 4, 2026. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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CTDOT Releases Draft Connecticut Statewide Freight Plan for Public Comment

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today released the draft Connecticut Statewide Freight Plan for public review and comment. Residents, businesses, and industry partners are invited to submit feedback through Friday, September 4, 2026.

The draft plan evaluates current and future freight transportation needs and identifies strategies to enhance the safety, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of Connecticut's multimodal freight network, addressing freight movement by truck, rail, ports, air, and pipeline. It will help guide future transportation investments and policy decisions across the state.

In 2024, an estimated 168 million tons of freight valued at $392 billion moved through Connecticut via truck, rail, ports, pipeline, mail, and air. Freight is projected to grow 92% in value by 2050.

View the draft Statewide Freight Plan.

“Efficient and reliable freight movement is essential to Connecticut’s economy and quality of life,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “As freight demand continues to grow, this plan gives us a strategic framework to strengthen our freight network, support businesses, and keep goods moving safely and efficiently across Connecticut. I encourage residents, businesses, and industry partners to review the draft plan and share their feedback.”

The draft plan provides a roadmap for strengthening freight movement statewide while supporting economic competitiveness, maintaining critical infrastructure, improving safety, enhancing system resiliency, and preparing for future freight demand.

The draft plan is available for review online at portal.ct.gov/dot/programs/freight. Comments and questions may be submitted through September 4, 2026 by emailing DOT.LongRangePlan@ct.gov or calling (860) 594-2560.


Friday, July 31, 2026

Upcoming Weekend Track Work on the New Canaan Branch Line

Ongoing track work will require weekend substitute busing for all trains until August 30. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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Upcoming Weekend Track Work on the New Canaan Branch Line

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is alerting riders that due to ongoing track work on the New Canaan Branch Line, substitute bus service will replace all weekend train service through August 30. Busing will take place from Friday at 11:00 p.m. through Sunday at 9:00 p.m. Normal train service resumes on weekdays. This continued work is necessary to install new track adjacent to the New Canaan Branch Line to support the Stamford Maintenance of Equipment Facility.

View the current weekend schedule.

“We realize weekend busing can be inconvenient, and we appreciate customers’ patience as this work that got underway several months ago continues moving forward,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Jeffrey Gonneville. “This work is a key step in creating a more reliable system for years to come.”

For real-time service updates and information, customers are encouraged to use the following options:

mta.info – The definitive source for service change information for each line in the MTA system. Customers can find current status on mta.info and upcoming planned service changes using the lookup tool at mta.info/alerts.

TrainTime app – The MTA’s TrainTime app is the essential companion to navigating the commuter rail system. Customers can plan their trip, purchase tickets, check train status, and chat with customer service, all in one app. The app is available in the Apple Store and on Google Play.

Email & Text Alerts – Customers can sign up for email and SMS alerts tailored to their specific commutes and travel times. They can also sign up for MTA newsletters like The Weekender, a weekly newsletter that covers major weekend planned service changes. Customers can sign up mta.info/notify.

Telephone – For customers who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available by dialing 877-690-5114 from Connecticut or 511 from New York. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred service provider for the free 711 relay to reach the MTA at the numbers above.


CTDOT Releases the 2026 Customer Experience Action Plan Progress Report

CTDOT provides updates on action items that directly serve to improve the transit customer experience statewide. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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CTDOT Releases the 2026 Customer Experience Action Plan Progress Report

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today released its third annual Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan Progress Report. The Action Plan Progress Report provides customers with yearly updates on action items that directly serve to improve the transit customer experience statewide. Actions are categorized into three priority focus areas: Improved Service, Easier to Use, and Enhanced Accessibility and Comfort. Progress made in the past year includes notable improvements on the following action items:

  • An additional year of funding for the nine microtransit pilot services in the state.
  • Construction underway on the Metro-North Waterbury Branch Line stations.
  • Thirty-six pilot shelters and four sites with seating and solar powered lighting installed as part of the Bus Stop Enhancement Program.

View the July 2026 CX Action Plan Annual Progress Report.

There is a great deal of behindthescenes effort required to operate and improve public transit, but our goal is simple: customers should see the benefits,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Public Transportation Bureau Chief Jeffrey Gonneville. “From wins big and small across the system, we’re making clear, noticeable improvements at every stage of the transit journey.”

CTDOT unveiled its first-ever Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan in June 2023, which was drafted after statewide public outreach throughout 2022. The Action Plan outlines programs, policies, and investments to improve bus and rail services for all of Connecticut. CTDOT is committed to providing annual updates on progress and continuing to connect with customers at rail stations, bus stops, and onboard transit services.

For more information, and to read the CX Action Plan and the Annual Progress Reports, visit transitcx.com.


Thursday, July 9, 2026

CTDOT, New Haven, Hamden Announce Completion of 12 Raised Crosswalks Along Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

CTDOT, the city of New Haven, and the town of Hamden today announced the completion of 12 raised crosswalks along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail in New Haven and Hamden, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists at key trai ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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CTDOT, New Haven, Hamden Announce Completion of 12 Raised Crosswalks Along Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), the city of New Haven, and the town of Hamden today announced the completion of 12 raised crosswalks along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail in New Haven and Hamden, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists at key trail crossings.

The $2.16 million project constructed raised crosswalks at seven locations in New Haven and five locations in Hamden, creating safer crossings where the trail intersects with local streets.

Over the past decade, 16 pedestrian and bicycle crashes have been recorded at or near these crossings. Local officials and trail users have also reported numerous near misses involving speeding vehicles and drivers failing to yield to people using the trail.

"Some of the most meaningful transportation projects are the ones that respond to what communities are asking for," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "These raised crosswalks are a direct response to local safety concerns and will help make the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail safer for everyone who walks, bikes, or rolls through New Haven and Hamden."

“The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail is one of the gems of our city and state and a place where hundreds of residents go every day to walk, run, bike and scoot. We want everyone to be able to fully enjoy the trail and to be as safe as possible when they are exercising, commuting or just enjoying a recreational stroll with neighbors, family and friends. These new raised crosswalks will improve accessibility and safety for trail users and also provide folks with more peace of mind while on the trail,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. “Last year, we completed the 1.6-mile trail leg and underground tunnel in downtown New Haven. Today, we’re celebrating new raised crosswalks at trail crossings. Later this year, we’ll finish the new trail link along lower State Street. We’re making the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail into a better, safer greenway as we realize our vision for an active, connected, green transportation and recreation system across New Haven and beyond.”

“I appreciate all of the collaboration that went into these raised crosswalks, which will address a real safety need,” said Hamden Mayor Adam Sendroff. “Users of the Farmington Canal Trail will experience enhanced safety because of this project.”

“When it comes to road safety, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal. “These new raised crosswalks will keep pedestrians and cyclists on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail safe as they cross busy streets in New Haven and Hamden. Projects like these have a real impact on communities and I will keep fighting for federal funding for the Safe Streets For All program and others that help prevent tragedies on our roads.”

“The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail provides an accessible, scenic opportunity for the local community to enjoy the outdoors,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. “With the completion of 12 raised crosswalks, pedestrians and cyclists in New Haven and Hamden will feel safer on the trail. I have been proud to secure funding for this project and will continue to support projects that improve our quality of life and increase road safety.”

The project constructed new raised crosswalks at Munson Street, Division Street, Thompson Street, Shelton Avenue, Ivy Street, Brewster Street, and Bassett Street in New Haven, as well as Goodrich Street, Alling Street, Dudley Street, Morse Street, and Hamden Park Drive in Hamden.

The city of New Haven and town of Hamden completed the project design, and CTDOT combined the designs into a single construction contract to deliver the improvements across both communities. The project was funded by a mix of 80 percent federal funding and 20 percent local funding.


Thursday, July 2, 2026

Avoid Red, White, and Blue in Your Rearview Mirror This Fourth of July

CTDOT and Law Enforcement Remind Motorists to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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Avoid Red, White, and Blue in Your Rearview Mirror This Fourth of July

As residents prepare to celebrate Independence Day and America's 250th birthday, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), Connecticut State Police, and local law enforcement agencies are reminding everyone to make safe choices this holiday weekend.

The Fourth of July holiday consistently ranks among the deadliest times of the year for impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2020 to 2024, there were 2,719 people killed in motor vehicle crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period – 38% of the drivers killed were impaired.

In Connecticut, impaired driving continues to be a leading factor in fatal crashes. In 2024, the most recent year with verified data, 105 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes, representing 34% of all traffic fatalities in the state.

“Whether you're attending a backyard barbecue, watching fireworks, or spending time with family and friends, make sure getting home safely is part of your plans,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Choose a sober driver, use a rideshare or taxi service, take public transportation, or simply stay where you are. Impaired driving is entirely preventable, and every driver has a responsibility to help keep Connecticut's roads safe.”

The Fourth of July holiday also falls during the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when traffic fatalities traditionally increase, particularly among young drivers.

“Your Connecticut State Troopers will be on the roads and highways of Connecticut this long holiday weekend enforcing traffic laws and putting public safety first,” said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. “We encourage all motorists and passengers to buckle up, follow posted speed limits, ditch the distractions, and never drive while impaired. We ask all drivers to be our partners in public safety this weekend and throughout the summer.”

“Connecticut law enforcement agencies remind everyone to celebrate our nation's Independence Day responsibly by designating a sober driver,” said Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger, Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee. “Additional patrols will be deployed across the state to identify and apprehend impaired drivers, helping keep Connecticut's roads safe for all travelers.”

CTDOT offers the following reminders for a safe holiday weekend:

  • Never drive impaired. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect judgment and reaction time.
  • Plan for a sober ride before celebrations begin. Use a rideshare service, taxi, public transportation, or designate a sober driver.
  • Speak up if someone is about to drive after drinking. Helping a friend find another way home could save a life.
  • Report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911.

For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, visit nhtsa.gov.