Construction has begun on the redevelopment of the Waterbury Train Station, a project led by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT). Governor Ned Lamont and CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto announced the start of this $35.2 million effort, which is intended to improve accessibility and enhance facilities for train riders. The work is part of a broader initiative to modernize all six stations along the Metro-North Waterbury Branch Line.
The upgrades at Waterbury will include a new high-level platform, real-time arrival video displays, improved security features, and a 1,600-square-foot indoor waiting area inside the historic Union Station building.
“This is an investment in Waterbury’s long-term growth,” Governor Lamont said. “For too long, the city’s train station has lacked the basic amenities riders need. This redevelopment will build on the Waterbury Branch’s ridership success and help power downtown Waterbury’s continued revitalization.”
Commissioner Eucalitto added, “This project reopens Union Station to the public for the first time in decades, restoring access to a historic building while bringing the station into full ADA compliance. With modern amenities, we’re delivering the kind of 21st-century transit experience riders deserve. Thank you to Governor Lamont, the Federal Transit Administration, and our other federal, state, and regional partners for believing in this long-awaited redevelopment.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal highlighted federal support for the project: “The Waterbury Station is in desperate need of reconstruction and revitalization, and I am thrilled that $28.1 million in federal funding will bring the station into the 21st century. With a new platform and waiting area, as well as technology upgrades, Waterbury Station will soon deliver a greatly improved experience for the thousands of commuters who rely on it every day. I’m proud to have worked alongside the Connecticut delegation to secure this funding and will keep fighting to invest in our infrastructure.”
Senator Chris Murphy reflected on efforts to secure funding: “This is a huge moment for Waterbury. Since the days way back when I represented Waterbury in the state legislature, I’ve been working with all my friends in town to get this train station built. And now we’ve finally got the money – thanks to the hard work of the team representing Waterbury in Washington. People love the Waterbury Line, but without a modern platform and waiting room, we aren’t able to really grow ridership. I’m so excited to finally get started with this project. It’s a game changer for the city and the region.”
Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) emphasized regional impact: “This is big. This transformative investment in the historic Waterbury Train Station will better connect the city to the rest of the region,” she said. “Thanks to strong federal and state partnerships, this long overdue project will make Union Station more accessible, modernize the rider experience, and revitalize the surrounding community.”
The redesigned 350-foot platform will allow four-car boarding consistent with ADA requirements and provide ticket vending machines, enhanced lighting, expanded waiting space for passengers, as well as real-time information displays. The indoor waiting area will feature seating, restrooms, security cameras, and customer information screens within Union Station’s historic structure.
Both CTDOT and Metro-North offices will be located above on a mezzanine level; an elevator will connect all three floors of the facility.
During construction work—which includes starting indoor waiting area renovations in November 2025 followed by platform work in early 2026—CTDOT plans substitute bus service beginning summer 2026 to minimize disruption for riders. The new waiting room is expected to open by fall 2026.
This project forms part of an overall plan from Governor Lamont’s administration aimed at upgrading six stations along this rail corridor—Waterbury, Naugatuck, Beacon Falls, Seymour, Ansonia, and Derby-Shelton—to promote economic development tied closely with transportation improvements.
