Track Improvements Slated for New Canaan Station

Planned improvements at Metro-North's New Canaan Station would realign the bulk track to allow for longer trains to stop at the station and accommodate more passengers. But the construction may inconvenience some commuters.

The project, slated to begin in August 2010 and take four months to complete, would mean the loss of seven parking spots and the temporary closure of the Railroad Lot on Pine Street.

Town Administrative Officer Tom Stadler is in the process of negotiating parking spaces for commuters during the construction. Stadler says the recent expansion of the Talmadge Hill Lot will lessen the urgency for identifying alternate parking.  

"It's not a worry to me," Stadler said, noting that there is currently no waiting list for permitted spots in the Talmadge Hill Lot.

The improvements would extend the bulk track 165 feet and raise it to meet with the other track at New Canaan Station.

The construction would also encroach upon the property occupied by William H. Brennan Insurance at 41 Pine St. The wall at the back of that property would have another wall built directly behind it and two poles necessary for construction would be placed on the property.

Peter Wilson, owner of the insurance agency, brought up the issue during a sparsely attended public information meeting about the project Thursday evening.

"We're going to have to work out this property issue. Should I bring the checkbook?" Project Engineer Jay Young jokingly responded.

Wilson said he would like to see monetary compensation for the intrusion.

Rodney Chabot, a current member and former chair of the Metro-North New Haven Rail Commuter Council, was also at the meeting and said the community was generally supportive of the track improvements.

"We'll lose parking but we'll get some back again and we'll be able to use longer trains."