Connecticut rail lines will have PTC operational by December 31 deadline
Connecticut’s three passenger rail lines will have Positive Train Control (PTC) installed and implemented by Dec. 31, 2018, according to the Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.
“Tens of thousands of Connecticut residents depend on passenger rail service for their daily commutes, and they deserve to have a best-in-class, safe and effective system,” Gov. Malloy said. “We have been moving aggressively to improve and modernize the infrastructure in our state because a strong and reliable transportation system is key to a robust economy where people want to live and businesses can grow. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has moved assertively on the implementation of these rail safety measures and I want to thank them for their continued work on this effort.”
CTDOT owns the portion of the New Haven Line between New Haven and the New York state border, while Amtrak owns the Hartford Line between New Haven and Springfield, Mass., as well as Shore Line East between New Haven and New London.
On the New Haven Line, which also includes branches to New Canaan, Danbury and Waterbury, CTDOT partnered with Metropolitan Transportation Authority Metro-North Railroad for PTC installation. Metro-North achieved a significant milestone over the summer, implementing civil speed enforcement – a key component of PTC that prevents a train from traveling too fast around a curve or over a bridge. Further, Metro-North has completed installation of all PTC hardware, trained all of its employees, acquired all of the necessary radio spectrum and has a segment of track on its Hudson Line operating under full PTC.
“Safety has always been our top priority and I am pleased to report that Connecticut passenger rail lines will be in full compliance with the new federal requirements,” Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker said. “Our rail lines are already exceptionally safe and positive train control provides us with another layer of safety.”
Officials said PTC will be in operation on each of the Amtrak-owned lines beginning Dec. 31, 2018.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
