Metro-North’s Waterbury Branch Will Resume Service October 28th
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
(Marc A. Hermann / MTA)
SEYMOUR, Conn. - The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced service on Metro-North's Waterbury Branch Line will resume on Monday, October 28th following damage sustained to the line in August.
Earlier this year, RT&S reported on Metro-North’s Danbury and Waterbury Branches after rainfall caused washouts on August 18, 2024. These washouts occurred near Beacon Falls and Seymour. According to the release from the MTA, crews had to build temporary access roads near the Kinneytown Dam in Seymour in order for crews to bring equipment and other materials to the affected areas. This material amounted to almost 7,000 tons. In this area, the washout was 22 feet deep, roughly 85 feet long, and 60 feet wide.
Before service resumes on the line, test trains will run along the Waterbury Branch Line between Waterbury and Bridgeport in both directions. This will allow for necessary inspections of the crossings and tracks along the line.
Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said, “The damage sustained along the Waterbury Branch Line was devastating and access to these areas was incredibly difficult. It’s remarkable what crews and contractors have been able to accomplish in two months to get trains running again ahead of our initial timeline. . . Thank you to the CTDOT staff, O&G, Metro-North, and all our partners who worked hard virtually every day to restore service on the Waterbury Branch Line. We look forward to welcoming customers back on October 28.”
Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi said, “We appreciate the patience of our Waterbury Branch customers while permanent repairs were made to address the major washouts along the branch. . . Although we were able to provide substitute bus service during this period, we are thrilled to be able to welcome our Waterbury Branch customers back on board.”
