All platforms currently consist of low-level platforms with the exception of the terminal stations at Bridgeport and Waterbury. A new station consisting of a high-level platform at Derby-Shelton is currently awaiting construction, while new station plans at Ansonia, Seymour, Beacon Falls, and Naugatuck are currently awaiting designs and funding.
For most of its route, the branch runs parallel to the Naugatuck River, viewable on the right side northbound and the left side southbound.
History
In 1906, work on double-tracking the branch between Seymour and Waterbury was underway.[1] It was completed in 1907.[2]
In September 2015, it was announced that out of governor Dannel Malloy's 30-year-$100 billion transportation plan, $350 million has been included to improve service along the branch.[3] The upgrades include a new signal system with multiple passing sidings to increase service, newer equipment, and station rehabilitation.[4] Currently, only one train is allowed on the branch at a time. The signalization of the line will allow for multiple trains to safely be on the branch at a time, while allowing for increased capacity and safer train operation. Four passing sidings at Devon, Derby, Beacon Falls, and Waterbury will be built, and they were expected to be completed in 2018. Work began on a siding just north of the Derby–Shelton station and was expected to be completed in late 2015.[4][needs update] Some of the 16 grade crossings on the line will be permanently closed, while others will have gates and flashers installed to prevent accidents. The entire project was scheduled to be completed in November 2020 and will cost $73 million.
Centralized Traffic Control was activated on November 7, 2021. Taking advantage of the newly constructed signal system, an increase in service frequency from 15 to 22 trains per day (12 southbound, 10 northbound) was implemented on July 10, 2022 with super express connecting trains from Bridgeport saving commuters up to 60 minutes on their round-trip commute time. More trains are scheduled to come in the cumulative years when ridership yields it.[5]
Metro-North Railroad: New Haven Line Amtrak: Northeast Regional, Vermonter CTrail: Shore Line East (limited service) Greater Bridgeport Transit: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17, 19X, 22X, 23, Coastal Link[11] Greyhound Lines, Peter Pan Bus Lines Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry Sacred Heart University Transit Shuttle, University of Bridgeport Shuttle
The Waterbury Branch uses 2008 Brookville BL20GH and GE Genesis P32AC-DM locomotives and Shoreliner passenger coaches. Prior to the arrival of push-pull coaches, the branch used self-propelled Budd RDC and SPV-2000 railcars, the latter of which were later converted to coaches. A typical shuttle consists of three cars.
In August 2023, CTDOT approved a contract with Alstom for 60 single-level passenger cars. The cars will replace the existing Shoreliner coach fleet on the Waterbury Branch and the Danbury Branch, as well as Mafersa coaches on the Hartford Line. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026.[13][14]
