HARTFORD – State Representative John H. Frey announced the state Monday approved $30 million in federal stimulus money to upgrade the Danbury Branch line signal system.
The Governor’s Stimulus Task Force approved the $30,000,000 for the installation of a centralized train control and signal system. These funds will implement the results of the control study, funding for which the Governor approved last December and is nearly complete.
The Danbury branch line currently relies on conductors manually throwing switches on the track so they can continue on their way.
With the new centralized signalization system the switches will be activated through the operations control center in Grand Central Terminal.
“I am grateful the task force has approved this much needed project. Jobs will be immediately created by these endeavors, and our mass transit environment will be enhanced,” said Rep. Frey.
Rep. Frey added, “At a time when we are budget-stressed, both here and in Hartford, these funds will be more than welcome. Moreover, this will help us in our endeavors to make public transportation more appealing to our commuters.”
“I have been working on this upgrade since my first term in 1999. These upgrades are crucial if Connecticut wishes to promote mass transit. Now Ridgerfielders do not have to go to New York to for reliable, timely train service”, added Frey.
In separate action, funds ranging from $15,900 to $75,320 for Danbury Rail Line Stations have also been approved for a station maintenance, repair and improvement program. The Branchville station is been allocated $58,872.00 in improvements.
“I have been a member of the Transportation bonding subcommittee for the last eleven years, and have argued for the state to make investments in Western Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure. I can say with certainly, we have not been forgotten. Governor Rell has recognized the importance of our region, as demonstrated with her commitment of $47 million in state funds last summer for the completion on the Ridgefield-Danbury route 7 widening, and now this Danbury Rail line investment.” Frey said.
Rep. Frey, House Republican Whip, serves the 111th Assembly District of Ridgefield in the state House of Representatives.
