[tlknows]

I keep hearing rumblings that New Milford will be added as stop on the Danbury line. Is this fact or fiction?

[JayCT]

The State is studying it but it will likely be years away because of the environmental review processes such a project requires. Here is a link to ConnDOT's website on it. Jay

Danbury Branch Electrification Feasibility Study website

[tlknows]

Thanks Jay!

[reason180]

Originally Posted by tlknows

I keep hearing rumblings that New Milford will be added as stop on the Danbury line. Is this fact or fiction?

In 3 years the new signaling system will be complete on the Danbury Branch allowing for more frequent trains to run.

The powers that be recently said they need 10 to 15 more years to complete studies so they can decide if they are going to make any more improvements to the area. Welcome to corrupticut. Other states have major projects going on and CT has the infrastructure in place (the tracks/right of way exists from Dbury to New Milford) yet they would prefer to sit back for 15 years and do next to nothing.


Check out this article:

New Milford Times - Rail service still debated

[glxyman21]

Originally Posted by reason180

In 3 years the new signaling system will be complete on the Danbury Branch allowing for more frequent trains to run.

The powers that be recently said they need 10 to 15 more years to complete studies so they can decide if they are going to make any more improvements to the area. Welcome to corrupticut. Other states have major projects going on and CT has the infrastructure in place (the tracks/right of way exists from Dbury to New Milford) yet they would prefer to sit back for 15 years and do next to nothing.


Check out this article:

New Milford Times - Rail service still debated

This is just like the New Britain to Hartford rapid bus line (already exists as a rail line), New Haven to Springfield rail line (already exists) and the Bristol to Berlin line (already exists). Most of these things began in the early 90's as "studies" we're already about 20 years past that and looking another 20 years to the future before a shovel is put into the ground. That is unacceptable. I would hate to see how long it would take if the state actually had to start from scratch from if no lines existed (I estimate 50 years atleast). My quote regarding these subjects is don't hold your breath- the New Milford line probably won't be around till 2020..if it happens.

[JayCT]

I agree that projects do take a long time to develop, but that is what our whole "Save the Environment" process has done. It added years and $$$ to important projects. Unfortunately that is the way it is.

[glxyman21]

The fact is that all these rail lines already exist, and many still carry frieght. Any environmental damage would be done already from years past and has been contained. They are only adding passenger service and upgrading the lines. In this instance, it is a waste. Countries like Switzerland can still build a rail line faster from scratch than CT can, while still maintaining the environment.

[kidyankee764]

If people in CT were not concerned with the environment, we would have tract housing, full-service 24-hour Wal Marts on every corner, and 5 lane highways with even more traffic than we have now. Lets thank our lucky stars for the tree huggers.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by reason180

Welcome to corrupticut. Other states have major projects going on and CT has the infrastructure in place (the tracks/right of way exists from Dbury to New Milford) yet they would prefer to sit back for 15 years and do next to nothing.

True enough.
The problem with these projects is that "us" commuters are not constituents of the reps. who will get booted out if they vote in favor of something that will bring more noise(commuter trains on abandoned freight tracks) into their town.

Same thing with road expansions. That Wilton(?) rep, Toni Boucher, was told in no uncertain terms that she had no political future if she voted in favor of a Super 7 proposal. She toed the line. And now she will probably be advancing politically(into the seat that Freedman is retiring from).
Expansion of 25 is another one that was a hot button for awhile.

Unless the DOT becomes very heavy-handed/autocratic, i don't think we will see any roadway expansions or re-use of abandoned freight tracks because any local politician that votes in favor of such proposals, will be tossed.

[bluecountry]

Why would New Milford get a train stop?
According to the Q Poll and Larry Lucchino...since it's outside FF County it must be Red Sox country and be more NE than NY based