WATERBURY – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) joined Governor Ned Lamont, Senator Richard Blumenthal, and Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garret Eucalitto to announce a series of federal grants for rail improvements across the state.
The Fifth District projects highlighted included two Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grants aimed at expanding rail services and making necessary safety improvements. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CTrail Hartford Line will receive a $11.61 million Restoration and Enhancement Program grant to increase services and enhance connectivity for the region.
Additionally, a $2.4 million Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant has been awarded for the Danbury Branch Grade Crossing Engagement, Planning, and Consolidation Program Project. This funding will assist the Connecticut Department of Transportation perform additional studies and develop a plan to eliminate the Taylor Avenue grade crossing and implement significant improvements at Triangle Street and Commerce Avenue.
In June 2024, Congresswoman Hayes submitted a letter of support to the U.S. Department of Transprotation for the Danbury Line project. Safety improvements on the Danbury Line are long overdue and the need was only amplified after a fatal crash at the Commerce Street crossing in 2023. The Devine Brothers, Commerce, Triangle, and Taylor Street crossings on the Danbury Line have raised alarms, ranking respectfully as having the first, fourth, and tenth highest predicted accident rates of any crossings on Metro North Rail in Connecticut.
“I represent 41 towns and cities that often feel disconnected from the state. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has been critical in closing the gaps and getting residents of the Fifth District where they need to go,” said Congresswoman Hayes. I am pleased to see this federal investment in our rail system that will reduce delays, improve reliability, and expand services. I thank the Biden-Harris Administration for its commitment for rebuilding our infrastructure to benefit communities for future generations.”
More information on the Danbury Line project can be found here. A letter of support for the project submitted can be found here.