Zagrodzky: Why There’s a Delay in Completing Refurbishing of Darien Train Station

First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky went to Darien Train Station on Thursday, July 10, to talk with the state Department of Transportation construction team at the site.

The project has been delayed from the original mid-August completion of work on the east side (northbound side) to mid-October, with full completion of the work on both sides of the tracks now expected in May 2026, Zagrodzky said.

He said there are several reasons for the delay, including problems the manufacturer has with new electrically heated platforms will be installed as part of the project (Zagrodzky didn’t say what the problems are).

Also the bankruptcy of the company supplying steel fencing along the platforms; and the discovery that the pipes and other underground structures at the site had not been mapped.

More details are in the report Zagrodzky wrote up for the Town of Darien Newsletter:

Text from the Newsletter

I paid a visit to the CTDOT construction team at the Darien Train Station yesterday (July 10). They provided an update on the process, and they answered some questions I’ve received from many of you. Here’s the latest.

The completion date for the east platforms currently under construction is now mid-October, a delay from the August date I reported in March. Problems include:

• Manufacturing challenges with the electrically heated platforms (the first time they are being deployed in Connecticut)

• Bankruptcy of the manufacturer of steel fencing that is to be installed along the platforms (they have a replacement manufacturer now)

• Unexpected repair needs for the culvert that runs underneath the tracks

• Utility trenching made more difficult by the unmapped presence of pipes and other underground infrastructure.

It’s always something!

One concern I’ve heard expressed is that at times, there does not appear to be anyone working. Keep in mind that a lot of the work is done between 1 and 4 a.m., when the tracks and overhead power can be shut down. They try to avoid work during rush hour, which is why it can seem like nothing is happening.

But as I saw yesterday, they are making progress. The elevator renovations are done except for power hookup, paving by the station house is in progress, and most of the electrical conduits are in place.

The next milestone is the switch in project focus to the west platforms around Oct. 15. When that time comes, I’ll shoot a video to describe how platform access routines will need to change. The current forecast for completion of all work is next May — we’ll see.

I know this project has been frustratingly long, but please be patient! Based on my interactions, I have confidence in the CTDOT team. The result will be worth the wait.