Danbury Branch Electrification Feasibility Study - About the Study
   

 

Study Purpose

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) has initiated a study to evaluate the feasibility of improving travel times on the New Haven Line’s Danbury Branch. While the scope of the study includes a basic evaluation of the ability to physically construct the catenary and power supply infrastructure and an estimation of construction costs, the overriding goal of the study is to determine if a number of different improvements to the branch, such as double tracking, track alignment modifications, addition of passing sidings and electrifying the branch will increase its utility, allowing for reduced travel time and more frequent service. The study also examines the feasibility of extending passenger service to New Milford. These improvements would place the branch in a better position to address two regional concerns; automobile congestion in the Route 7 and other north/south corridors and the exodus of Connecticut rail commuters to the Harlem Line in New York.