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MTA Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi today joined Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett T. Eucalitto to tour significant storm damage on the Waterbury Branch. Following torrential rainfall throughout the metropolitan region late Sunday evening, with certain areas reaching “1,000-year level” highs in Connecticut, Metro-North’s Waterbury Branch experienced severe washouts midway between Seymour and Ansonia and near Beacon Falls, that have resulted in train service being replaced with buses along the entire branch.
Metro-North crews continue to restore slopes and ballast that were washed out by floodwaters and transport heavy stone to refill and stabilize areas surrounding tracks for safe operation. It is estimated that approximately 1,500 cubic yards of heavy stone and 3,600 cubic yards of fill materials will be required to address damage along 200 feet of track.
“Sunday’s storm has caused significant damage along the Waterbury Branch, with severe washouts in two main locations on the branch that require tons of crushed stone to restore,” said Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi. “We currently estimate that restoration may take a few weeks and we are working closely with CT DOT to complete repairs and provide substitute bus service in the meantime to get customers where they need to go.”
At approximately 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18, service on the Danbury Branch and Waterbury Branch was suspended due to flooding conditions. Metro-North Railroad restored full service on the Danbury Branch Monday, Aug. 19 by 5 p.m., however, the Waterbury Branch remains suspended with substitute bus service making all stops along the branch.