Waterbury Branch Substitute Bus Service
The Waterbury Branch of the Metro-North Railroad will have buses replace trains starting June 1st & lasting for nearly 2 months due to infrastructure work. Here are more details courtesy of the press release I received:
MTA Metro-North Railroad is reminding Waterbury Branch customers that starting on June 1 Waterbury train service will be replaced by bus service to accommodate infrastructure improvements on the branch. Train service is expected to be restored by Sunday, Aug. 29. With ridership still reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this work can be accomplished while minimizing inconveniences to customers in the future.
The improvement work taking place includes railroad crossing improvements, the replacement of track ties and track curves, completion of passing sidings and track resurfacing along the branch to ensure smoother rides. The work, a priority of the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), is part of the $116 million capital improvement project which, when completed, will enable more reliable Waterbury Branch service. In order to accommodate this work bus service will be provided as an additional travel option for customers affected.
This work builds on the successful 2020 program that accelerated construction of the new Waterbury Branch signal system and 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.
“By getting this work done now we will be ready for the post-Labor Day return of riders,” said Catherine Rinaldi, President of Metro-North Railroad. “CTDOT is a great partner and I know that once they complete this project our Waterbury customers will appreciate the smoother ride and reliable service.”
“The Connecticut Department of Transportation has continued to move forward, step by step, to modernize and improve the Waterbury Branch to bolster efficiency, safety, and the overall customer experience,” said Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Joe Giulietti. “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.”
The initial phase of the work is taking place overnights between May 10-28. During that time, buses are replacing the last train from Waterbury and last two Waterbury-bound trains departing from Grand Central Terminal (GCT) and Bridgeport on weeknights.
Customers can access full bus schedule here.
xoxo Transit Blogger
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