Federal Transportation Infrastructure Priorities Naugatuck Valley Planning Region – February 2019

Federal Transportation Infrastructure Priorities: Naugatuck Valley Planning Region – February 2019

National Policy Initiatives: • Continue to use performance-based criteria for discretionary grant program decisions. • Ensure Highway Trust Fund solvency. Near-term solvency can be achieved by increasing and indexing existing federal fuel taxes, but a • Directly allocate STBG Program funds to MPOs of all sizes. Enhance long term solution needs to be studied and implemented. authority of MPOs to set regional spending priorities.

• Remove the federal tolling prohibition. Tolling can raise funds to improve • Directly allocate all STBGP set-aside funds (formerly the Transportation and rebuild the aging Interstate and non-interstate expressway system. Alternative Program) to MPOs of all sizes and end the ability of state States, in consultation with impacted metropolitan areas, should decide DOTs to transfer set-aside funds to other programs. whether tolling is appropriate, • Permit MPOs in Connecticut to be designated based on Council of • Increase funding for transportation planning. Effective planning crafts Government boundaries and be considered Urban Area equivalents for solutions that address a variety of needs within the transportation transportation funding and programs. This would not cause any increase system. MPOs need sufficient funding to assess an increasingly in funding, but it would generate greater efficiencies in the way that complex array of activities, including more planning based on funding is programmed and distributed in the state. performance-based criteria. State Policy Initiatives: • Increase funding for the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBGP). • Maintain and provide full annual funding for the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) • Increase funding for all forms of transportation. A multi-modal system is $74,000,000 / year more resilient and efficient and is essential for communities of all sizes. • Establish State Recreational Trails Program as an annual program and • Continue to distribute a significant portion of federal transportation provide full funding; solicit project applications through COGs dollars through a formula-based process and rely less on discretionary $5,000,000 / year programs. However, restoration of the High Priority Program should be considered as a viable mechanism for funding transportation improvements beyond formula funding.

Page 1 Federal Transportation Infrastructure Priorities: Naugatuck Valley Planning Region – February 2019

Phase I Priority Projects: Waterbury Branch Line Expand Service Provide additional peak hour service Naugatuck River Greenway Trail – Derby to Torrington (30-minute headways) $2,100,000 / year Construct priority sections of NRG Trail $25,471,000 Waterbury Phase 2 / Phase 1 Extension $8,600,000 Waterbury Branch Line Infrastructure Improvement – Watertown: Branch Brook-Frost Bridge Rd $1,847,000 Needed to for Passenger Convenience Naugatuck: Maple St-Breen Field $3,236,000 Derby-Shelton Rail Station renovations & improvements $11,725,000 Naugatuck: Pulaski Bridge-Waterbury TL $3,000,000 Ansonia Rail Station improvements $8,225,000 Beacon Falls: Extend Road Diet on Route 42 $3,259,000 Seymour Rail Station relocation assessment $300,000 Thomaston: Old Wtby Rd to Thomaston Dam $5,529,000 Naugatuck Rail Station A&E $1,000,000 Waterbury Rail Station waiting area & parking lot renovations $10.000.000 Construct Tier II sections of NRG Trail $11,900,000 Ansonia to Seymour section $TBD Total Funding Need: $31,250,000 Waterbury to Watertown section: Phase 4/5 $11,900,000 Thomaston Dam, Vista Park to Torrington $TBD Naugatuck Inland Port $65.000.000 Environmental Mitigation & Remediation Extend Middlebury Greenway $2,557,000 Construct rail spur thru Chemtura Site Construct 10-foot Craneway Total Funding Need: $39,928,000 New Warehousing Buildings Construct Green Energy Project Waterbury Branch Line Infrastructure Improvement – Needed to Expand Service Highway Improvement Projects Construct & upgrade remaining passing sidings Route 8 – Phase 3 Project, Derby-Ansonia $135,000,000 (Devon & Waterbury) $18,700,000 Route 8 Interchange Improvements – Multiple Locations $139,000,000 Rolling Stock – Replace existing equipment: 4 sets Construct Huntingdon Avenue Project in Waterbury $18,100,000 (Train Set = 1 locomotive + 2 coaches + 1 push/pull cab) $80,000,000 (Provide 10% local share $1,810,000) Rolling Stock – New equipment to expand service: 3 sets Relocation of Route 334 in Ansonia $300,000 (Train Set = 1 locomotive + 2 coaches + 1 push/pull cab) $60,000,000 (Planning & Feasibility Study)

Total Funding Need: $158,700,000

Page 2 Federal Transportation Infrastructure Priorities: Naugatuck Valley Planning Region – February 2019

Realign Route 72 in Bristol $5,500,000 Bus Rapid Transit System Route 42-to-Route 67 Connector Rd, Beacon Falls-Seymour $50,000 Median Running BRT along Route 8 Corridor +/-$175,000,000 (Prepare BUILD Grant Application & B/C Analysis) Separated facility within center right-of-way; 11.5 miles Between Derby-Shelton rail station & Bridgeport Total Funding Need: $297,950,000 Transportation Center Construct BRT hub along Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton Local Bus Service Purchase high-quality BRT vehicles Additional State Funds to Expand Local Bus Service $1,500,000 / year Off board fare collection ITS elements – signal pre-emption, driver assist/automation Phase II Priority Projects: High capital costs -- TBD

Waterbury Branch Line Infrastructure Improvement BRT along Central CT Rail Corridor +/-$10,000,000 Construct New Station Buildings along the WBL On-road facility along rail corridor Derby-Shelton Rail Station $80,000,000 On-road facility along rail corridor 24 miles – BRT Light New Ansonia Rail Station $25,000,000 Extend CTfastrak to Bristol, Plymouth & Thomaston to Route 8 Relocated Seymour Rail Station $25,000,000 Brand service to differentiate it as a “BRT” New Beacon Falls Rail Station $25,000,000 Purchase high-quality BRT vehicles Relocate Naugatuck Rail Station $25,000,000 Off board fare collection Renovated Waterbury Rail Station $12.000.000 ITS elements

Total Funding Need: $192,000,000 Central CT Freight Rail Line ±$170,000,000 Upgrade Line to Class III (40 mph) -- SGR Install Passenger Amenities along Entire Line $18,700,000 Replace ties, rail & resurface Develop a Permanent Transfer Station at Devon Wye $80,000,000 Flatten curves Waterbury Branch Line Maintenance & Storage Yard $55,000,000 Support implementation of Naugatuck Inland Port

Total Funding Need: $158,700,000 Highway Improvement Projects Route 42-to-Route 67 Connector Road, Beacon Falls-Seymour $39,600,000 Construct Connector Road Parallel NRG Trail Relocate Seymour Train Station Page 3 Incentivize TOD Naugatuck River Greenway (NRG) Trail Project

Naugatuck River Greenway Trail • Existing conditions: • Designated by CT Greenways Council & CT DEEP • 44 miles long – passes through 11 communities • Identified as a trail of “statewide significance” in the CT Recreational Trails Plan • Designated as one of 101 America’s Great Outdoors projects by US Department of the Interior • ≈5 miles open + 3 miles to be built in 2019/2020 • Actions: • Construct priority sections of the NRG Trail • Waterbury Phase 2 / Phase 1 extension • Watertown: Branch Brk-Frost Bridge Rd • Naugatuck: Maple St-Breen Field • Naugatuck: Pulaski Bridge-Waterbury TL • Beacon Falls: Extend Road Diet • Thomaston: Old Wtrby Rd-Thomaston Dam • Work with USACE to allow NRG Trail through Thomaston Dam recreation / impoundment area & resolve use conflicts Page 4 Naugatuck River Greenway (NRG) Trail Project

• Construct Tier II Sections of NRG Trail • Ansonia-to-Seymour Section (TBD) • Waterbury-to-Watertown: Phases 4/5 • Thomaston Dam to Torrington (TBD) • Extend Middlebury Greenway • Work with USACE to allow NRG Trail through Thomaston Dam recreation / impoundment area & resolve use conflicts • $25.5 million (NRG Trail Priority Sections) • ±$11.9 million (NRG Trail – Tier II Sections) • $2.6 million (Middlebury Greenway)

Benefits of NRG Trail Project • Improve health & quality of life of residents • Provide a viable transportation option; active transportation connection between urban centers • Restore river access • Provide economic opportunities – stimulate local, regional & state economies; create jobs • Generate substantial economic benefits: Neighborhood Transit • Direct user spending Hub Concept – Bridgeport • Consumer surplus Avenue, Shelton • Health benefits – lower incidences of obesity, diabetes & cardio-vascular disease Page 5 Waterbury Branch Rail Line Infrastructure Improvements

Waterbury Branch Rail Line • Existing conditions: • 27 miles long; joins main line at Devon Wye • Riders transfer mainly at Bridgeport • 2½ hour headways • Poor connections to main line service • Insufficient peak hour trains • Actions: • Provide 30-minute headways during peak hours • $2.1 million / year

Construct Passing Sidings • WBL Single-Track: • Need passing sidings to allow bi-directional service • Sidings were included as part of signalization project • Derby & Beacon Falls sidings constructed • 2 remaining sidings – Devon & Waterbury • $18.7 million

Page 6 Waterbury Branch Rail Line Infrastructure Improvements

Rolling Stock – Replace existing equipment • Existing equipment: • Old & in poor condition • Subject to frequent breakdowns / unreliable • Lack amenities – WiFi, charging ports, outlets • Actions: • Acquire 4 train sets – train set = 1 locomotive + 2 coaches + 1 push/pull cab • $80 million

Rolling Stock – New equipment to Expand Service • Existing conditions: • Current fleet does not permit increasing service • Actions: • Purchase 3 train sets – train set = 1 locomotive + 2 coaches + 1 push/pull cab • $60 million

Page 7 Waterbury Branch Rail Line Infrastructure Improvements

Benefits of Rolling Stock & Service Actions • Improved / more reliable service: • Fewer breakdowns & need to switch to bus service • Better connections to main line train service • More attractive to commuters – better able to meet needs of riders • Ridership will increase with more reliable service • Leverage investments in new signals & Positive Train Control • Signals can handle up to 10 trains per hour • Provides level of train service needed to support TODs • Reduce congestion on Route 8

Page 8 Waterbury Branch Rail Line Rail Station Improvements

Derby-Shelton Rail Station Renovation • Existing station area: • Historic brick building – no waiting room • Multi-modal connections with GBT & CTtransit bus service – bus stop not well defined • Limited passenger shelter • Lack high level platforms & amenities • Actions: • High Level Platform & Canopy • A & E – Renovation Assessment • Reconfigure Bus Stop & Parking Lot • Passenger Amenities (Shelter/Waiting Area) • Traveler Information System & Ticket Machine • Future “up-and-over” to connect to parking garage / TOD project on east side of tracks • $11.7 million (short term) • $80 million (multimodal / TOD center)

New Station Rendering

Page 9 Waterbury Branch Rail Line Rail Station Improvements

Rail Station Areas – other stations • Existing stations at Ansonia, Seymour, Beacon Falls, & Naugatuck: • Limited passenger shelters • Lack high level platforms & amenities • Not well connected to downtown • Limited commuter parking • Actions: • High Level Platform & Canopy • Renovate & Reconfigure Parking Lots • Passenger Amenities (Shelter/Waiting Area) • Traveler Information System & Ticket Machine • Relocate Seymour station as part of TOD & connector road project • Relocate Naugatuck station as part of TOD project • Construct new station buildings at Ansonia & Beacon Falls • $8.2 million / station (immediate actions) • $25 million / station (new buildings)

Page 10 Waterbury Branch Rail Line Rail Station Improvements

Waterbury Rail Station Renovation • Existing station area: • Historic brick building – owned by others • Multi-modal connections with CTtransit bus service • Not well connected to downtown • Limited passenger shelter • High level platform & canopy • Poor parking layout • Lack amenities • Actions: • Renovate & reconfigure parking area (design underway – WDC) • Renovate passenger waiting area in Rep Am building (delayed) • Passenger Amenities (Shelter/Waiting Area) • Traveler Information System & Ticket Machine • Upgrade / lengthen high level platform • ±$1.0 million (parking lot) • $12 million (platform)

Page 11 Waterbury Branch Rail Line Rail Station Improvements

Benefits of Station Improvements • More attractive stations will induce commuters to use trains • Provide high quality waiting areas for passengers – protection from weather elements • Real-time traveler information – confirmation & confidence of service • Provide better accessibility • Provide state-of-the-art amenities • Improved safety & security New Station Rendering • Well-defined, designated commuter parking areas • Compatible with downtown land use & TOD projects & plans

Page 12 Waterbury Branch Rail Line – Devon Wye Station

Transfer Station at Devon Wye • Existing conditions: • Limited service on WBL • 2½ hour headways • Limited capacity on NHML for additional WBL trains • No connection to outbound tracks & New Haven • Actions: • Construct permanent transfer station at Devon – between WBL & NHML • Construct high-level platforms connecting the WBL & New Haven main line (NHML) tracks • Construct an “up-and-over” to provide access between inbound & outbound NHML tracks • Increase service on WBL by operating as shuttle-type – meet / connect with most peak hour NHML trains • Provide pedestrian access & connections to / from Devon neighborhood • Consider possible use of Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) rail vehicles for shuttle service • ±$40 million

Page 13 Waterbury Branch Rail Line – Devon Wye Station

Benefits of Transfer Station at Devon Wye • Increase frequency of service & enhance transfer opportunities • Expand service on WBL without adding trains to the NHML • Leverage recent WBL infrastructure investments • Provide direct connections to New Haven without need to travel to Bridgeport

Page 14 Waterbury Branch Rail Line TOD

Waterbury Rail Line Station Areas • Existing station areas: • Historic, compact downtowns • Existing infrastructure to support higher density / mixed-use land patterns • Once vibrant manufacturing centers; today economically distressed • Rail transit exists; can be catalyst for economic revitalization • Actions: • Station area planning funds to develop TOD concepts • Institute commuter rail service needed to support TOD • Pedestrian / walkable corridors to connect TODs, downtowns & rail stations • ±$1.0 million (station area planning funds)

Page 15 Waterbury Branch Rail Line Infrastructure Improvements

Benefits of TOD • Health & Safety • Walkable neighborhoods encourage healthier, pedestrian-based lifestyles • Reduced vehicle emissions • Slower travel speeds improve pedestrian & bicycle safety • Vibrant land uses discourages crime • Transportation Choice • Reduced automobile travel – mode shift to trains / buses / walking / bicycling • Builds transit ridership • Environmental Sustainability • Reduces sprawl / preserves open spaces • Reduces paved areas & stormwater runoff • Reduces greenhouse gases • Community • More livable communities • More vibrant, mixed-use downtowns • Enhances mobility of young people & elderly • Economy • Helps achieve economic competitiveness • Attracts entrepreneurs & innovative businesses Page 16 Waterbury Branch Rail Line Infrastructure Improvements

Waterbury Rail Line Storage & Maintenance Yard • Existing conditions: • Existing diesel locomotives & rail cars serviced at Stamford Yard – long dead-head runs • Lack yard capacity for additional equipment • Limiting factor to fleet expansion • Former rail yard in Waterbury owned by Pan Am Railways • Actions: • Acquire old Waterbury rail yard Waterbury Rail Renovate yard to accommodate diesel fleet Maintenance & Storage • Yard used on WBL • Construct maintenance facility • Construct refueling station • ±$55-$80 million

Benefits of a Waterbury Rail Storage Yard • Provides capacity to store & maintain WBL fleet • Reduces deadhead runs & travel times • Locates rail fleet on line on which it operates • Reduces fuel & emissions

Page 17 Waterbury Branch Rail Line – Inland Port

Naugatuck Inland Port – Intermodal Hub • Existing station area: • ≈90-acre former Chemtura Chemical parcel • Currently vacant / unimproved • Brownfield site • Along the Waterbury Branch Rail Line • Pan Am Railway owns track from Northern New England & has track rights along WBL • Actions: • Redevelop site as an Inland Port & Intermodal Hub • Environmental mitigation & remediation • Receive goods & freight from Maine / internationally for distribution to Tri-State area • Construct Rail Spur through Chemtura Site • Construct 10-foot Craneway • New Warehousing Buildings • Construct Green Energy Project • Reconstruct Scott St & Elm St to accommodate trucks directly to / from site • ±$65 million (rail infrastructure) • $25 million (private + local)

Page 18 Waterbury Branch Rail Line – Inland Port

Benefits of Naugatuck Inland Port • Economy • Helps achieve economic competitiveness & equity • Attracts entrepreneurs & innovative businesses • Returns a former industrial site to a productive use • Relieves congestion at sea ports • Provides substantial & useful warehousing space • Helps stabilize the local & state tax base • Environment • Remediates a Brownfield site • Transportation • Reduces the number of large trucks on our highways • Shifts freight to rail – more efficient mode • Improves access to New York metropolitan markets

Page 19 Freight Rail Line Improvement – Central CT Rail Line

Central CT Rail Line • Existing conditions: • Pan Am Railways operates freight service between Berlin & Waterbury • 23.9 miles – 21 at grade crossings; 11 overhead bridges & 22 under-grade bridges • Terryville Tunnel – poor condition; 3,850 feet long • Connects to MA & northern New England • Class I speed – max 25 mph; several sections limited to 10 mph • Actions: • Upgrade to State-of-Good Repair – replace ties, rail & resurface • Flatten horizontal curves – improve superelevation • Add crossing equipment & enhance grade crossing warning devices & circuits • Install new signal & train control system • ±$170 million (Class III)

Page 20 Freight Rail Line Improvement – Central CT Rail Line

Benefits of Rail Freight Improvements • Increase opportunities to ship goods & freight by rail • Improve safety • Increase speed at which rail freight can operate • Increase operational efficiency • Preserve the line for possible future conversion to passenger service • Support existing businesses on the line & allow freight to expand in the future

New Station Rendering

Page 21 Route 8 Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

Route 8 Corridor – Derby-to-Bridgeport • Existing corridor: • 11.5 mile highway corridor • No direct rail service • Limited local bus service – Express service doesn't connect to Derby-Shelton rail station • Residents of Naugatuck Valley cannot easily access corporate office parks in Shelton via transit • Actions: • Separated facility within center right-of-way • Between Derby-Shelton rail station & Bridgeport Transportation Center • Construct BRT hub along Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton • Brand service to differentiate it as a “BRT” • Purchase high-quality BRT vehicles • Off board fare collection • ITS elements – signal pre-emption, driver assist/automation • ±$175 million (order of magnitude)

Page 22 Route 8 Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

Benefits of BRT • Provides a more direct service between Derby & Bridgeport • Can provide more frequent service to Bridgeport from Derby • Fills a void in transit service along the Bridgeport Avenue corridor in Shelton • Avoids costly replacement of the Commodore Hull Bridge & other highway capacity projects • Enhances transit connectivity, reliability & attractiveness

Neighborhood Transit Hub Concept – Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton

Page 23 Central CT Rail Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

Central CT Rail Corridor – Waterbury-to-Berlin • Existing corridor: • 24 mile corridor in vicinity of the freight rail line • Upgrade of freight line for passenger service not economically viable • Cost = $530 million • Need to build 6 stations • Major upgrade of Terryville Tunnel • Upgrade of Waterbury (MNRR) Branch Line • Actions: • Extend CTfastrak to Bristol, Plymouth & Thomaston to Route 8 • Brand service to differentiate it as a “BRT” • Purchase high-quality BRT vehicles • Off board fare collection • ITS elements – • ±$10 million (buses & priority treatments)

Benefits of BRT • Low capital cost – BRT “Light” using existing road network; no new roadway or busway construction • Takes advantage of the existing CTfastrak service to Bristol Page 24 Highway Infrastructure Improvements

Route 8 – Phase 3, Project No. 0036-0179 • Existing conditions: • Lack of access from Route 8 to Ansonia downtown • Lack of connections to main commercial areas • Ramp connections to neighborhood streets • No access to planned TOD area on east of WBL at Derby-Shelton train station • Lack of local road connections • Preliminary Design completed • Actions: • Reconstruct & realign Interchange 16 & 17 • Construct new NB On-ramp from Pershing Drive (Ex. 16) • Extend Water Street to Pershing Drive • Connect Seymour Avenue & SB Off-ramp (Ex. 17) to Pershing Drive • Construct connector road over the WBL • connections to / from several interchanges • ±$135 million

Page 25 Highway Infrastructure Improvements

Route 8 • Existing conditions: • Most sections built in 1960s before highway design standards • Deficient horizontal curves • Closely spaced ramps; non-compliant on- and off-ramp lengths / distances • Bridges don’t meet safety design standards • High traffic volumes; peak hour congestion • High crash locations • Actions: • Extend NB slow vehicle lane in Shelton • Provide full interchange in downtown Shelton • Realign on & off ramps at several interchanges – eliminate weave sections • Minor widening to extend ramps • Close & relocate ramps • Reconstruct local road connections to / from several interchanges • ±$139 million

Page 26 Highway Infrastructure Improvements

Relocate Route 334, Other Arterial Improvements Ansonia • Existing conditions: • Peak hour congestion • Lack of direct access from Route 8 to Ansonia downtown • Safety issues

Actions • Relocate Route 334 in Ansonia on new right-of-way • Construct Huntingdon Avenue in Waterbury • Realign Route 72 in Bristol

Benefits of Route 8 Improvements • Safety – reduces the number & severity of crashes • Transportation – reduces congestion & improves travel time & travel time reliability • Economy -- improves access to / from downtown areas • Facilitates movement of goods & freight

Benefits of Arterial Improvements • Reduces congestion • Improves safety • Provides better access to downtown areas Page 27 Highway Infrastructure Improvements

Route 42-Route 67 Connector Road • Existing conditions: • Lack of access to a large (±350 acre) parcel of developable land • Existing Seymour rail station is at a confined location; limited parking • Most local traffic uses Route 8 • Preliminary study completed • Actions: • Construct a new arterial to connect Route 42 in Beacon Falls & Route 67 in Seymour • Include complete streets elements – sidewalks, median, curb extensions, decorative lighting • Construct a road separated, multi-use trail parallel to the new road – part of NRG Trail • Extend road diet south along Route 42 in Beacon Falls • Relocate Seymour train station • $50,000 (BUILD Grant Application) • $39.6 million

Page 28 Highway Infrastructure Improvements

Benefits of Route 42-67 Connector Road • Transportation • Reduce congestion on Route 8 • Diversion route for Route 8 in event of incident closes highway • Increase mode choice & accessibility to alternate transportation • Sustainability • Provides area for relocation of Seymour train station & development of a synergistic TOD project • Creates an opportunity for walkable / livable community • Promotes affordable housing & housing choices • Economy • Unlock economic potential of vacant parcel • Catalyst for economic revitalization • Reliable access to employment centers

Page 29 Highway Infrastructure Improvements

I-84 West of Waterbury • Existing conditions: • Highway narrows to two lanes west of Waterbury • Peak hour traffic congestion • Safety deficiencies – deficient horizontal curves • Actions: • Focus widening on 5-mile section in Danbury • Interchange improvements: • Exit 5 & 6 in Danbury along Route 37 • Exit 11 in Newtown at Route 34 • Exits 14-16 in Southbury • Exit 17 in Middlebury at Route 63 & 64 • ±$845 million

Benefits of I-84 West of Waterbury Improvements • Reduces the number & severity of crashes • Reduces congestion; improves traffic flow on arterial streets – lower diversions from the interstate • Improves travel time & travel time reliability • Reduces air & nose impacts • Improves access to / from downtown areas • Increases economic vitality • Facilitates movement of goods & freight Page 30