The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has announced plans to rehabilitate a historic, out-of-service railroad switch tower located on the Metro North New Haven Line near Canal Street in Stamford. The project aims to repurpose the building as a facility for railroad crews.
The rehabilitation will include creating spaces such as a storage area, storage room, workstations, work benches, a kitchenette, restrooms, and closets designated for mechanical, plumbing, and IT/communications needs. Structural repairs will be made to the building’s slabs and walls. The project will also install new fire protection, plumbing, and HVAC systems, as well as new electrical service with a backup standby generator and telecom service.
Site improvements are planned as part of the project. These include removing and replacing existing access stairs, installing a concrete sidewalk from the stair platform, establishing a new water service connection to Canal Street, and connecting a sanitary sewer line to Dock Street.
According to CTDOT, design work is scheduled for completion in October 2026. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027, pending project approval, funding availability, and acquisition of necessary right-of-way and environmental permits. The project will be financed entirely with state funds.
“It is CTDOT’s policy to keep the public informed and involved when such projects are undertaken. It is important that the community share its concerns with CTDOT to assist in the project’s development. If anyone has any questions or comments on this project, contact Richard E. Bertoli, P.E., Principal Engineer, at (860) 594-3263 or by e-mail at Richard.Bertoli@ct.gov. Please make reference to State Project No. 0301-0525,” CTDOT stated.
