Folded in an earlier thread; man, we've been talking this crap for over 10 years.
Also, to amuse myself, I visited the website. After two or three years there's actually an update, and it's titled "Final":
http://www.danburybranchstudy.com/#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Public use quote exception:
5/17/2016: Final Project Update: Over the past few years, and throughout the course of this study, there have been a number of improvements along the Danbury Branch Line. These improvements include the completion of a transportation signal system along the line which resulted in a 9% increase in ridership in 2015. Projects such as Positive Train Control and a parking expansion at Bethel station represent some of the future initiatives planned along the line. These improvements are part of Governor Dannel Malloy’s 30-year transportation program, Let’sGoCT, which outlines investments needed now to make our transportation system safer, more reliable, and more responsive to our 21st century life-styles and tremendous economic opportunities. Check out the Danbury Branch brochure for more information and highlights on completed projects and upcoming plans for the Danbury Branch Line.
Here's the brochure:
http://www.danburybranchstudy.com/Danbu ... 3-11-16%20(2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;).pdf
It's attached below.
Interesting tidbit on Merritt 7:
Merritt 7 Station Enhancements
The Merritt 7 station is one of seven commuter rail stations on the Danbury Branch Line. In the summer of 2015, the Department concluded the conceptual planning phase of this project to enhance the safety, accessibility, operational efficiency, and opportunities for Transit Oriented Development (TOD). The enhancements include the replacement of the existing low-level platform with new 510-foot high-level plat-forms on each side of the tracks plus and up-and-over pedestrian bridge. This will allow passengers to access the station from the Merritt 7 office complex on the east side, which was not possible with the single existing low-level platform on the west side. The improvement will also include an extended canopy, real time train capabilities, and ticket vending machines among other amenities. Final Design of the project will begin in early 2016 and should take approximately a year to complete. This project will allow Norwalk to fully realize the TOD potential of the station.
Assuming that area remains one track, just two-side boarding.
And the preoccupation continues with electrification, albeit more subdued:
Electrification
As outlined in Lets Go CT! electrification is a long term goal for CTDOT. This enhancement to the Branch line would include up-grading all of the rail infrastructure, and converting the diesel-powered trains to electric powered trains.
If they want a one-seat ride that might save some time, get some DM overhead equipment, and run it into Penn as part of that service in 2023. Like an ALP-45DP. You'd obviate the transfer at SoNo.
And, quite oddly, there's a blurb on the
Maybrook:
The Maybrook Line
CTDOT is also exploring options for improving freight rail service in Connecticut by improving the Maybrook Line and its connection to the Danbury Branch. The Maybrook Line consists of 27 miles in Connecticut and connects the Danbury Branch Line to the Water-bury Branch Line. The Maybrook Line passes through Danbury, Newtown, Monroe and Derby. It is owned by the Housatonic Rail-road and is not currently operational. If the infrastructure was re-stored, it would provide an opportunity for the freight traffic currently running on the Danbury Branch Line to be re-routed and would offer freight providers additional flexibility.
In sum total, the years of study boil down to CTC (PTC) which was going to happen anyway, and this proposal:
Extension
If the Branch line was extended north, it could provide passenger service to the communities of Brookfield and New Milford where there currently is no passenger service.
Electrification
Wow. /s
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