The existing four-span WALK Bridge will be replaced with a state-of-the-art multi-span bridge (shown - Image CT DOT
The existing four-span WALK Bridge will be replaced with a state-of-the-art multi-span bridge (shown) – Image CT DOT

WESTPORT–Metro-North Railroad and Amtrak trains on the New Haven Line will scale back service on five weekends from Sept. 12 through Nov. 1 as crews work on the WALK Bridge replacement in Norwalk, the railroads and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced.

During these weekends, train service between New Haven and Stamford will be significantly limited, the agencies announced. Metro-North trains may be crowded because of the reduction in service, the announcement said. To view the latest train schedule and service info, visit MTA.info/alerts or use the MTA TrainTime app.

Also during these weekends, Amtrak service between New York and New Haven will be “extremely limited,” the announcement cautioned. To view the latest ticket availability, visit Amtrak.com or use the Amtrak app.

The reductions have been scheduled to allow crews to safely remove two 234-foot-tall utility towers and overhead wire systems on the existing 130-year-old WALK Bridge over the Norwalk River in Norwalk, the announcement said.

“The WALK Bridge Replacement Program continues to make progress, with work this fall marking a major milestone for a new, modern, resilient bridge along the Northeast Corridor,” said CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. “We thank customers for their patience as we deliver a bridge that will serve them and the entire Northeast Corridor for generations to come.” 

During each affected weekend, Metro-North service will include:

  • Grand Central Terminal-New Haven trains on reduced frequencies and capacities.
  • A shuttle train service between New Haven and Bridgeport.
  • Main-line trains between Grand Central Terminal and South Norwalk, with express service between Grand Central Terminal and Stamford and local service between Stamford and South Norwalk.

The announcement gave the following breakdown of the planned work:

Sept. 12-13 and Sept. 19-20: Wire Demolition Work

These weekends will see the most significant adjustments to New Haven Line schedules during the project because of the demolition of the legacy catenary wire infrastructure that powers the electric trains. Diesel trains will operate between Grand Central Terminal and New Haven during wire demolition. Trains will run approximately every 90 minutes through the work zone.

The diesel-hauled trains have less capacity than the normal electric trains, so customers should expect crowding. Customers traveling to and from New York City are encouraged to use the high-capacity parking garages at Stamford and South Norwalk to ride the more frequent trains between those stations. Use the MTA TrainTime app or visit MTA.info/alerts for train-service options.

Customers should expect significantly reduced seating capacity and potential crowding, with approximately 55% fewer seats available than a typical weekend.

Oct. 10-11 and Oct. 17-18: High Tower Work

During high tower construction activities on these weekends, electric train service will continue to operate through the WALK Bridge reconstruction zone during scheduled work windows. Approximately five trains are planned to operate during each work window, leaving approximately 30% fewer seats available than on a typical weekend.

Metro-North will issue special schedules for the October work weekends in late September. Passengers are encouraged to review schedules before traveling and allow additional time for their trip during these construction weekends.

Plan Before You Travel

The construction schedule is subject to change.

Customers are encouraged to review train schedules and service information using the MTA TrainTime and Amtrak apps before traveling.

Project Information: WALKBridgeCT.com

Stay informed:

Customer information:

  • Connecticut: 877-690-5114
  • New York: 511