The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced on May 1 that construction has begun on major upgrades to four stations along the Metro-North Waterbury Branch Line in Derby-Shelton, Ansonia, Beacon Falls, and Seymour. The work is expected to be completed by spring 2028.
The upgrades are part of a statewide initiative to modernize all six stations on the line between 2025 and 2028 at an estimated cost of $193 million. This effort aims to improve safety, accessibility, and reliability for riders using this regional rail corridor.
The project will introduce new platforms capable of full train boarding, covered canopies, enclosed windscreens for weather protection, real-time arrival information systems, ticket vending machines, improved lighting, and clear wayfinding. All stations will become accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with better pedestrian access and safer passenger flow. In Derby specifically, the historic station building will be restored for indoor waiting space and new bus bays added to enhance local transit connections.
Governor Ned Lamont said: “For too long, riders on the Waterbury Branch Line have been making do with aging and inaccessible infrastructure. That changes now. These investments are about more than about improved stations; they’re about giving working families in the Naugatuck Valley the same quality of service that riders elsewhere take for granted, and building the kind of connected, affordable communities that keep people here.”
Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said: “Bringing the Waterbury Branch Line into the 21st century means delivering stations that are accessible, comfortable, and built for how people travel today. This is a major step forward for riders and the communities along the line. I’m grateful to the Lamont administration, our Congressional delegation, and our partners at the Federal Transit Administration for helping make it happen.”
MTA Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek said: “These improvements will make it easier for people to reach jobs throughout the region… As ridership continues to increase on the Waterbury Branch… these station upgrades will allow us to provide a more seamless travel experience across the entire region.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal said: “These long-overdue upgrades …will make commuting safer… while bolstering local economies…” Senator Chris Murphy added: “Larger platforms…and smoother rides are all coming…I’m proud to have worked with our delegation to secure federal funding…” Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro highlighted job creation benefits from these projects while Congresswoman Jahana Hayes noted their importance in connecting residents with opportunities.
During construction from July 20 through May 31 next year rail service will be replaced by buses due to necessary track work at Ansonia and Beacon Falls as well as coordinated bridge improvements under TIME FOR CT Program. By aligning these efforts during one extended outage period rather than multiple disruptions later on—according to project leaders—the state expects savings over $47 million plus completion time shortened by approximately one year.
According to the official website, CTDOT promotes safety through initiatives such as work zone awareness campaigns while supporting community infrastructure via grants; maintains its headquarters in Newington but manages transportation statewide; provides an intermodal network aimed at improving quality of life alongside economic vitality; extends services throughout Connecticut; supports community connectivity through grant programs; facilitates engagement with contractors/consultants; and is led by Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto who oversees related policies.
