WATERBURY, CT — The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announces 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:

• The initial phase of the work took place during overnight hours beginning on May 10, 2021, and continued through May 28, 2021.
• The second phase will begin on June 1, 2021, and continue through August 29, 2021.

These improvements are a priority of 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.”