Governor Ned Lamont announced on May 1 that construction has started on major upgrades to four stations along the Metro-North Waterbury Branch Line, including Derby-Shelton, Ansonia, Beacon Falls, and Seymour. The work is expected to be completed by spring 2028.
The project aims to modernize these stations with longer platforms for full train boarding, covered canopies, enclosed windscreens for weather protection, real-time arrival information, ticket vending machines, improved lighting and wayfinding. All locations will be made accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act and feature better pedestrian access.
In Derby specifically, the vacant historic station building will be restored to provide indoor waiting space and new bus bays will be added to improve connections with local transit services. This effort is part of a broader initiative led by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to upgrade all six stations along the line between 2025 and 2028 at an estimated cost of $193 million.
“For too long, riders on the Waterbury Branch Line have been making do with aging and inaccessible infrastructure. That changes now,” Governor Lamont said. “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, support local businesses by bringing more activity to the area, and help communities attract new development and new investment. As ridership continues to increase on the Waterbury Branch, at some stations exceeding 200% of 2019 levels, these station upgrades will allow us to provide a more seamless travel experience across the entire region.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal commented: “Reliable rails require modern stations to serve the needs of Connecticut travelers. These long-overdue upgrades to the Waterbury Branch Line will make commuting safer, more accessible, and more convenient for riders across Connecticut while bolstering local economies. I’m proud to support this critical investment in Connecticut’s transportation future.”
Senator Chris Murphy said: “Larger platforms, safer pedestrian walkways, and smoother rides are all coming to Waterbury Branch Line stations. I’m proud to have worked with our delegation to secure federal funding for these upgrades. They’re a game changer that will help city and entire Valley continue growing.” Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro added: “The upgrades on Waterbury Branch Line will deliver significant relief commuters… creating good-paying jobs… fostering economic development along corridor… These upgrades bring us closer reliable mass transit everyone…” Congresswoman Jahana Hayes stated: “Investing in rail infrastructure is not just about faster trains… Modern rail infrastructure links communities jobs education essential services… Thank you Governor Lamont Federal Transit Administration your partnership improving state.”
During construction from July 20 through May 31 next year rail service replaced temporarily bus service as single-track operation prevents safe simultaneous work trains running particularly Ansonia Beacon Falls where tracks must shift align longer platforms according release details routes schedules forthcoming weeks portal.ct.gov/WBLstations.
