Rep. Callahan Applauds DOT Plans for Danbury Rail Yard Improvements

Hartford—The Connecticut Department of Transportation has announced plans for a Metro-North approved locomotive fueling facility at the Danbury Rail Yard in the city of Danbury. State Representative Patrick Callahan (R-108) applauded the proposal.

According to the CTDOT, the project involves the addition of a diesel locomotive fueling facility even though some refueling already takes place within the yard. The purpose of this project is to add a dedicated space designed to ensure safety and environmental compliance while improving efficiency. This project will also add an access road for fueling trucks from Wildman Street.

“This fully state-funded project would help improve traffic around the railyard through this new access road. With the CTDOT also proposing to modify the grade crossing gates at Wildman Street, this project would be an added layer of safety for drivers and pedestrians in the area,” said Callahan.

The project will also involve removal/replacement/realignment of tracks to provide a safe working area as well as separation between the Housatonic Railroad Mainline tracks and the MNR yard tracks, the relocation of existing/new overhead utilities, and sand traps to collect any potential fuel spillage and protect the Still River.

Designs are expected to be completed in October 2024, with construction anticipated to start in the spring of 2025. That timeline is pending acceptance of the project, availability of funding, and receipt of any required rights-of-way and environmental permits.

A public informational meeting will be conducted once preliminary designs are completed for State Project No. 0302-0028.