Signal Problems Plague Danbury Branch Railroad Crossings

DANBURY, Conn. – A new signal system installed in November on Metro-North’s Danbury Branch has consistently malfunctioned, according to a report in The News-Times.

Newly-installed train signals on the Danbury Branch have consistently malfunctioned since they were installed in November.
Photo Credit: *Daily Voice File Photo*

Tom Renner

02/07/2014 5:00 a.m.

Problems with the $70 million system have created dangerous conditions at rail crossings and longer commutes for riders. The Danbury Branch runs to South Norwalk with stops in Ridgefield, West Redding and Wilton. The stops on the 24-mile line also include Bethel, Branchville, Cannondale and Merritt 7 before reaching South Norwalk.

The line is not electrified, and trains travel by diesel engine. The railroad line crosses roads in many of those communities as well. Two stops in Danbury have required a police presence to prevent collisions between trains and vehicles, the report said.

The chief problem is gates descend when no train is in sight, the report said.

Metro-North system designer Alstom Signaling Inc. and Sieman’s Rail Automation, which manufactured the components, have worked to fix the issues but have not found solutions, the story said.

Click here for the story in The News-Times.

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