METRO NORTH NEW HAVEN RAIL COMMUTER COUNCIL
(Established in 1985 under Connecticut Public Act 85-239, now Sections 13b-212b and
13b -212c of the Connecticut General Statutes)
MINUTES OF MAY 19, 2010
“TRACKSIDE” TEEN CENTER
WILTON, CT
Present were: Jim Cameron, Chairman; Bob Jelley, Roger Cirella, John Hartwell, Terri Cronin and Sue Prosi, members of the Council; Gene Colonese, Jim Redecker, Joe Marie, Robert Pettinicchi and Erich Kunst, DOT; Joe Kanell, MNR, Senator Boucher; State Rep. Peggy Reeves; Martin Cassidy, Stamford Advocate; Carl King, Bas Nabuls, Jerry Carney, Gail Abbey and Jeff Boehme, members of the Public.
The meeting began at 7:00 pm.
CENTRALIZED TRAFFIC CONTROL PROJECT ON DANBURY BRANCH
Robert Pettinicchi and Erich Kunst from CDOT described the CTC project for the Danbury line. They said that the Danbury branch presently currently operates on a manual block system, which requires the engineer to call the dispatcher to get approval to move into the next block. The CTC project is to add signals to the Danbury branch, substations to provide electricity for the signals, automated switches for sidings, and a new Bethel siding. In addition, 34 grade crossings and their gates and signals will be analyzed. Beginning August 2 2010, there will be 16 weeks with no train service at off-peak hours on weekdays. However, there will be no off-peak outage from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day. There will also be no train service on 15 weekends beginning in April 2011. It is anticipated that the project will come into beneficial use in May 2012.
The project has a cost of $63 million, having been reduced from an estimate of over $100 million. $40 million of the cost is from federal stimulus funds.
In answer to a question from Bob Jelley, Commissioner Marie said that the new CTC system will not include the federally required positive train control, but went on to say that positive train control can be overlaid on the CTC system.
Senator Boucher joined the meeting, and Jim Cameron welcomed her, noting that she was responsible for keeping Governor Rowland from shutting down the Danbury branch line. He also said that she was responsible for getting the final money from the Legislature to go ahead with the CTC project.
A question was asked as to whether the signal system will produce more trains on the Danbury branch. Jim Redecker said that next year’s DOT budget request will request money for more trains on the Danbury branch. Gail Abbey said that there were now 11 weekday trains each way on the Danbury branch, and that people were hoping for 17 or 18 trains each way.
There was a question about doing work on the Wilton station. Gene Colonese said that the first project on Phase B of station rehabilitation will be the Wilton station. He also said that there was a request for proposals for managing the Merritt 7, Wilton and Cannondale stations and that they were getting a new vendor for Cannondale station. There was a question on whether the Kent Road station might be reopened, and Mr. Colonese said it would not be reopened.
Mr. Redecker said that the Danbury branch line study was also looking at possible Danbury re-electrification. He went on to say that the study was looking at all the things that could be done. Then the study results will be looked at to see which improvements give the most benefits without spending too much money. DOT plans to do the easy things first.
John Hartwell asked about the planned new Georgetown station. Mr. Redecker said that the developer didn’t get the stimulus funds that it was seeking but will try again. He noted that the federal government doesn’t think Fairfield County is distressed enough to receive stimulus funds.
There was a question asked about the lighting at Cannondale station and the need for a sidewalk for easier access to Wilton station. Mr. Redecker said that both were the responsibility of the Town of Wilton. Sue Prosi added that there had been talk for years of connecting Station Road to Ridgefield Road.
SERVICE CUTS
Commissioner Marie said there would be no service cuts on the New Haven line. He also said that no hearings have yet been scheduled on fare increases.
NEW M-8s
Commissioner Marie said that testing has gone very well. There has even been a small amount of dynamic testing. He said that some M-8 cars will be in service before the end of the year. In answer to a question, he said that the electronic diagnostic systems on the new cars are working but will be constantly revised until the cars are put in service. He went on to say that production models of the new M8 cars are now being produced in Nebraska. With respect to new M8 bar cars, he said that the DOT was still waiting for cost estimates. Terri Cronin said that the new bar cars do not have to be as elaborate as planned, and that a fit-out like the existing bar cars was sufficient. Gene Colonese shared design drawings of a potential M8 bar car with Council members.
BOMBARDIER CAR REHABS
It was reported that the old Bombardier cars with just two end doors are being rehabilitated. The Danbury line also has some new Bombardier cars with two end doors and a center door.
STAMFORD GARAGE
Commissioner Marie said that the Legislature took away the $35 million that had been previously authorized for a new garage to replace the old garage. He said that DOT was talking to a developer about a new garage a block or two away with a bridge to the platforms. He said that the Department was taking a new look at the garage situation and would be able to tell us more at the June meeting. He estimated that replacing the old garage would cost between $55 million and $65 million, and a new garage within a block or two would be about $45 million. He seemed to commit to building a new garage a block or two away before tearing down the old garage.
Mr. Cameron said that in his view, the Town of Stamford’s study of the Stamford station has not produced a very sensible redevelopment plan for the station and its vicinity.
There was a question about the long-promised report from Fusco resulting from the early December walking tour of the old and new Stamford garages. Mr. Colonese said that the Department was still looking at various signage questions. He said he would get us an email report.
YANKEE STADIUM SERVICE
John Hartwell reported that he had used the service and found it very good.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm. The next meeting will be held at SWRPA on June 16th at 7:00 pm.
Bob Jelley
Secretary
Phone: (203) 498-4306
E-mail: rjelley@wiggin.com
