From Waterbury to Bridgeport: Fed to Award $29M for Waterbury Branch Train Line Upgrades

Improvements to the century-old stations include building high-level rail platforms, installing handrails, providing more equitable service and increasing access to jobs.

The three stations serve nearly 42,000 people; an estimated 10% have a disability. 

The Waterbury Branch Line is a critical connector for the many daily commuters working in Bridgeport, lower Fairfield County and the New York metropolitan area, as well as residents traveling to access services, shopping and entertainment throughout lower New England.

Created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the ASAP grant program makes competitive funding available to finance capital projects to repair, improve, modify, retrofit or relocate train station infrastructure and facilities for rider accessibility and equity.

Gov. Lamont said, “Ensuring that everyone can access public facilities is critically important, and that is why I am excited that we have been approved for this grant that will allow us to make long-overdue accessibility improvements at several train stations along the Waterbury Branch Line.

“This is not only a transit issue, but it is a matter of equity. I am grateful to the Federal Transit Administration for approving this grant, as well as our fantastic Congressional delegation for their work to help our state secure these dollars.”

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said, “This grant will increase accessibility and equity for all Waterbury Branch Line passengers. We thank the Federal Transit Administration, Governor Lamont, and our Congressional delegation for their continued support of Connecticut’s interconnected rail network to the northeast and for recognizing the importance of accessibility and equity for all rail passengers.”

State Department of Aging and Disability Services Commissioner Amy Porter said, “Equal access to transportation is critically important because it enables people with disabilities to access important opportunities in education, employment, housing, health care and community connections.”

Tom Wade, an advocate for Independence Northwest, one of the five community-based independent living centers in Connecticut, said, “The railroad system offers a safe and efficient option to go to work, attend appointments, and be part of so much of the entertainment industry that flourishes in our area, from Waterbury to New Haven, and of course New York.

“As a wheelchair user and someone who depends on both private and public transportation, I strongly support the planned improvements to the railroad system throughout our area. 

“The idea of inclusion for people disabilities in our transit system allows everyone to be a part of our community and maintain the quality of life and dignity we all strive for each and every day.”

The Waterbury Branch Line provides service on the New Haven Line, connecting Waterbury and Naugatuck Valley communities to New Haven and New York City. 

It is the longest branch line of the New Haven Line system, consisting of 27.1 miles of track from Waterbury to Bridgeport.