Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Upcoming Track Improvements on New Canaan Branch Line

Work allows trains to travel 20 MPH faster ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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DOT Seal
Connecticut
Department of Transportation

Upcoming Track Improvements on the Metro-North New Canaan Branch Line

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is alerting riders that due to track improvements on the New Canaan Branch Line this summer, substitute bus service will replace all train service. This necessary work is part of the tie replacement and track upgrades program. When completed, an existing speed restriction in the Stamford area will be eliminated. Train speeds through this section will increase from 30 miles per hour to 50 miles per hour, increasing travel times on the line. The track improvements, and bus substitution, will begin Tuesday, May 30, 2023, and is estimated to run through August.

"CTDOT has continued to move forward with projects that modernize and improve our state rail systems to bolster efficiency, safety, and overall customer experience," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "We know the importance of this line and have plans to ensure passengers can reach their destination. We worked with Metro-North to ensure this outage begins after Memorial Day and concludes prior to Labor Day, coinciding with the time commuters and their families are more likely to have summer vacations planned. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers as we enter the final phases of work activity."

The bus schedule is currently being finalized and will be shared in the weeks ahead.

This year, the 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; remediation of mud spots at several locations; reinstatement of drainage along portions of the branch where needed; reinstallation new rail anchors as needed; 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 will be able to access the complete substitute bus schedule at mta.info/mnr. 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 mta.info/mta-etix.

While passengers are no longer required to wear masks on board trains or in stations, masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.

Channels for Service Updates

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 to keep customers updated by the second. The upgraded app includes 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 it is beneficial 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 to speak with a customer service representative on its Facebook page.

These communication channels can be accessed while at home or on the go. For customers located at stations, the MTA will post the latest service updates on digital signs at station platforms and make audio announcements over public address systems and onboard announcements made by train crews.

For those who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available for Connecticut customers by calling (877) 690-5114. The New York State Travel Information Line is 511. 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.


Thursday, March 2, 2023

Vision Zero Council Continues Work to Eliminate Roadway Injuries and Fatalities

Residents encouraged to attend March 7 meeting ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Web Version    
DOT Seal
Connecticut
Department of Transportation

Vision Zero Council Continues Work to Eliminate Roadway Injuries and Fatalities in Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is encouraging the public to attend upcoming Vision Zero Council meetings to learn more about ongoing efforts to reduce roadway injuries and fatalities in Connecticut, and how to participate in future subcommittee meetings. Council meetings are also recorded and will be available to those who can't attend during the scheduled meeting time. The Vision Zero Council will hold its first meeting of 2023 on Tuesday, March 7, at 10 a.m.

 

The Vision Zero Council, an interagency group created by the legislature in 2021, focuses on ways to improve safety across all modes of transportation. The Council comprises the state Departments of Transportation, Public Health, Emergency Services and Public Protection, Motor Vehicles, Education, Aging and Disability Services, Office of Early Childhood, and the Office of the Chief State's Attorney. The Council's goals are to recommend policies that leverage new technologies and partnerships to eliminate transportation-related fatalities and injuries involving pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists, and passengers.

 

Throughout 2022, the Council met numerous times and formed subcommittees in Engineering, Education, Enforcement, and Equity, soliciting feedback from various stakeholders and subject matter experts. As a result of these meetings and recommendations from the subcommittees, the Council transmitted a series of policy proposals to the Connecticut General Assembly, many of which are under consideration during this current legislative session.

 

Last year, 385 people were killed on Connecticut roadways, and more than 1,400 people were seriously injured. Thus far, in 2023, more than 45 people have been killed.  

 

"2022 was the deadliest year on Connecticut roadways in decades. Over the last five years, the number of people killed increased by more than 40 percent. These are startling numbers and represent lives lost, many of which were due to preventable crashes," said CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto and Vision Zero Council Chair. "One key thing that can help is public engagement, which is why I am hopeful that members of the public tune in to these meetings, and join the subcommittees. I thank the Vision Zero Council members, agency staff, and subcommittee members for their hard work and continued efforts to reverse these trends. We look forward to working closely together to find ways to make our transportation network safer for all users."

 

The first meeting of the Vision Zero Council in 2023 will be held virtually on Zoom on Tuesday, March 7 at 10 a.m. Members of the public can register for this meeting and all future meetings by visiting the upcoming calendar of meetings located on the homepage of ct.gov/dot. All meetings are recorded and later posted online on the CTDOT YouTube Channel.

 

To review previous presentations, meeting minutes, and all Vision Zero Council news and updates, visit portal.ct.gov/DOT/VisionZeroCouncil.


Wednesday, February 22, 2023

CTDOT Community Connectivity Grant Program Funding Open

🚶🚴‍♀️ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Web Version    
DOT Seal
Connecticut
Department of Transportation

Community Connectivity Grant Program Funding Open for Connecticut Municipalities to Improve Pedestrian Safety and Access

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced a third solicitation for Community Connectivity Grants to towns and cities across Connecticut to fund municipal construction projects.

The Community Connectivity Grant Program (CCGP) is an infrastructure improvement program that provides funding for local initiatives to improve the safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users in urban, suburban, and rural communities. The program goal is to provide equitable access to transportation by making conditions safer for all people and encouraging more use of these healthy and environmentally sustainable modes of travel.

"The Community Connectivity Grant Program has projects underway in 59 towns already, and it will continue to make downtowns and town centers more vibrant, useable, and safe for residents and visitors using all modes of transit," said CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Improving the safety and accessibility of municipal sidewalks, crosswalks, and streetscapes for everyone remains a top priority for our team at the DOT. I am confident this renewed focus will continue to make our state's community centers more attractive places to live, work, and play."

Grant awards are contingent upon the State Bond Commission's approval of $10 million. The funding limits for grants awarded in this solicitation are between $100,000 and $800,000 and can only be used to fund activities related to project construction. To be considered for this solicitation, municipalities previously awarded a grant under this program must have submitted and received approval of their final project design submission package by the application deadline.

Although not required for this round of solicitation, additional consideration will be given to municipalities that have developed a Complete Street Plan or Policy, ADA transition plan, or comprehensive safety action plan, as recommended by the state's Vision Zero Council. For future solicitations, municipalities will be required to have an adopted Complete Streets Plan or comprehensive safety action plan to be eligible to apply for funding under the CCGP; this was a recommendation that came from the state's Vision Zero Council.

Grant applications are available on the Community Connectivity portal and will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 21, 2023.

For more information on the Community Connectivity Program, please visit portal.ct.gov/DOT/PP_Intermodal/CTConnectivity/CT-Connectivity-CCGP.


Tuesday, February 14, 2023

CTDOT providing residents with free subscription to Transit Royale

💝🚌🚆 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Web Version    
DOT Seal
Connecticut
Department of Transportation

Connecticut Department of Transportation Upgrades Public Transportation Customers Statewide to Premium Subscription of Transit App

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is providing Connecticut residents with a one-year free subscription to Transit Royale, an upgrade to the mobile app Transit starting February 14, 2023. The upgrade is free for all current and new users.

 

Transit is a free mobile app that helps public transportation users plan and track their bus and train trips using schedule information and real-time vehicle location, where available. It is free to download and is available on iOS and Android.

 

Approximately 41,000 public transit customers in the state already use the Transit app and will automatically be upgraded to Royale. With this upgrade to Transit Royale, riders in Connecticut can:

 

  • Access routes outside of their immediate area without encountering a paywall
  • Schedule trips in advance
  • Choose a custom avatar and nickname
  • Choose app branding with the CTDOT logo and colors
  • Select custom themes and icons for locations such as home, work, and school
  • Compete with fellow riders and move up the leaderboard by sharing real-time train and bus information with other app users 

"We want riders throughout Connecticut to see how easy it is to use public transit," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Transit Royale is a useful tool that makes the transit experience fun, personalized, and engaging from start to finish."

 

The following public transit systems are available in the Transit app on February 14, 2023:  CTtransit, CTfastrak, CTrail Hartford Line and Shore Line East, Metro-North New Haven Line, Greater Bridgeport Transit, 9 Town Transit, Middletown Area Transit, Norwalk Transit District, Southeast Area Transit District, and Windham Region Transit District.

 

CTDOT is working with Housatonic Area Regional Transit, Milford Transit District, Northwestern CT Transit District, and Northeastern Connecticut Transit District to incorporate those transit systems' static schedule data in the Transit app this year.

 

For more information about Transit or to download and install the app on your mobile device, visit transit.app.