State officials say they don’t yet know just when or for how long service on Metro-North Railroad’s New Canaan branch line will be suspended.
— This article was originally published by NewCanaanite.com.
The state Department of Transportation and Metro-North “are in communication regarding significant track work proposed on the New Canaan Branch Line,” according to DOT Communications Manager Josh Morgan.
“To expedite completion, rail service will be temporarily suspended,” Morgan told NewCanaanite.com in an email. “CTDOT will ensure riders will continue to have access to transportation and be able to get to their destinations by running buses to replace train service.”
He continued, “The construction schedule, which will ultimately determine when and for how long service will be suspended, has not yet been finalized but will be communicated publicly upon completion.
Talmadge Hill Railroad Station (2007 photo on Wikimedia Commons)
“We continue to discuss the project with Metro-North to minimize impacts to customers. CTDOT will have robust public engagement and communication to ensure riders and stakeholders are aware of any service changes as a result of this track enhancement project.”
Rumors of a planned shut-down of the New Canaan branch line began circulating in mid-February on social media.
Members of the New Canaan Parking Commission and other New Canaan officials discussed the plans during the appointed body’s regular meeting, held March 1 in New Canaan Town Hall and via videoconference.
There, officials said their understanding is that the disruption stems from plans for a new station to be installed in east Stamford, between Glenbrook and the main train station downtown.
It would “require our [New Canaan’s] track” to be “moved over” in order to “connect to the main line,” according to Bob Mantilia, whose title with the town is Special Projects.