New Canaan line closed for construction, commuters have to take buses to Stamford
If you're catching the train out of New Canaan, you're going to have to take a bus instead. Construction is being done on the tracks, and it will take months to complete.
Top Stories
If you're catching the train out of New Canaan, you're going to have to take a bus instead.
Construction is being done on the tracks, and it will take months to complete.
When commuters got to the New Canaan Metro-North station Tuesday morning, they heard this announcement:
"Trains to Stamford have been canceled. Bus service has been provided."
It was an unwelcome message for commuters who were already late for work.
"You suddenly change from train to bus and then the time is doubled up, so it's quite inconvenient for us," said Stephanie Low.
It didn't bother some who weren't in a hurry.
"The train is like 20-25 minutes and the bus is like 35 minutes, so it really wasn't that bad at all," said Beverly James.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation says train service to Stamford is shut down for repairs and upgrades.
"This is all about improving and modernizing our rail system, increasing the safety and the efficiency of the trains, allowing the trains to go faster," said Strategic Communications Manager at Connecticut Department of Transportation Shannon Burnham.
The CT DOT says the improvements will allow trains to go 20 mph faster and get rid of the current speed restriction.
The improvements include replacing about 8,000 railroad ties, insulated rail joints and 1,600 feet of rail.
The work started Tuesday.
"We recognize that this is a bit of an inconvenience for travelers, so we partnered with Metro-North and we're doing our best to let people know about the bus schedule and keep them up to date on when work is going to be completed," said Burnham.
The bus schedule is posted at the New Canaan station and online.
Connecticut DOT says this project is going to last until at least Labor Day.
Metro-North also reminds commuters they can catch the train from the Darien, Noroton and South Norwalk stations, where there is plenty of parking.
