Tag Archives: Metro North

Training Our Attention On The Railroad Bridge

Posted on April 14, 2024 | 2 comments

Much of Westport’s focus is on the future of the William F. Cribari Bridge.

But another project is taking shape just a few yards away.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has launched a website with information about the “SAGA River Railroad Bridge.”

If that means nothing, try this: the railroad bridge over the Saugatuck River, just south of the Cribari and I-95 spans.

The Saugatuck River Railroad Bridge, just south of I-95. 

The “SAGA River Railroad Bridge” is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Built in 1905, it is a “single leaf Scherzer rolling lift bascule bridge” carrying Metro-North, Amtrak and freight traffic over the Saugatuck River.

Metro-North operates 36 trains each, eastbound and westbound, on weekdays.

Amtrak runs 12 trains eastbound, and 13 westbound. The bridge also services 1 freight train daily in each direction.

Unknown to many Westporters, a pedestrian walkway on the south side of the bridge is a cherished shortcut for neighborhood commuters. (It also offers a spectacular view of the river, all the way to its Long Island Sound mouth.)

View from the Saugatuck River railroad footbridge, looking north. (Photo/Jennifer Rosen)

Two 50-horsepower diesel engines in a small building open and close the bridge. The bridge is periodically tested, but openings for marine traffic are “virtually non-existent.”

Due to its condition and age, 2 mechanics must oversee the locking mechanisms.

An early 20th-century photo shows the Saugatuck River Railroad Bridge opening, to let maritime traffic through.

Here’s the project overview:

“Due to the age and condition of the structure, including the mechanical and electrical components, the Connecticut Department of Transportation is considering various options for the future replacement or rehabilitation of the existing bascule bridge which carries 4 railroad tracks over the Saugatuck River in Westport, Connecticut.

“Failure of the structure to properly open/close would pose a significant risk of major long-term disruption to the Northeast Rail Corridor and to a lesser extent, maritime traffic. Therefore, the CTDOT is considering the viability of replacing or rehabilitating the moveable bridge.”

Another view of the Saugatuck River Railroad Bridge. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

Design alternatives include no build; bridge rehabilitation; new fixed bridge replacement, and new moveable bridge replacement.

The next step is a feasibility study, including evaluation and environmental reports. It will examine “the effects a fixed structure would have on the area.”

The study will also investigate the possibility of increasing track speed to as much as 110 mph through the area. Currently, there is a 45 mph speed restriction on the bridge.

“These changes will likely require a higher track profile and an increasing of the distance between the tracks,” the website says.

“The Feasibility Study will evaluate this impact on the Westport Station, highway under/ overpasses in close proximity to the new structure, adjacent private properties, and railroad appurtenances such as catenary and signal and communication systems.”

The website lists the benefits of a new bridge:

  • More reliable and faster service
  • Possible expansion of future high-speed rail, intercity, commuter and freight rail operations
  • Improved maritime safety and navigation
  • Improved connectivity for economic growth.

No timetable is given for the project. Click here to view the website. For more information or questions, email DOT.SAGARiverBridge@ct.gov.

BRIDGE FACTS: There are 23 movable vehicular and train bridges under CTDOT jurisdictions. They include the Cribari Bridge, and the “WALK” train bridge in Norwalk, which is now part of a replacement project.

(Hat tip: Robbie Guimond)

Westporters gather on the banks of the Saugatuck River, following a 1935 railroad crash.

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Posted in Saugatuck, Transportation

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Roundup: Staples Lacrosse: State Champs! …

Posted on June 12, 2023 | Comments Off on Roundup: Staples Lacrosse: State Champs! …

First there was Wilton. Then Darien.

Now there’s a new powerhouse in Connecticut boys lacrosse: Staples.

The Wreckers won their 2nd straight state championship — and 2nd ever — yesterday. Seeded #2 in the “L” (large schools) division, they dominated #1-ranked Fairfield Prep en route to a 13-6 victory.

The score was 4-2 at halftime. The blue-and-whites never looked back.

Goals and/or assists came from Tyler Clark, Sam Eigen, Ben Burmeister, Leo Sequenzia, Gavin Rothenberg, Adam Udell, Tristan Schaefer, Michael Nealon and Dixon Scherer. Josh Marcus was a rock in goal.

Two days earlier, in a much closer contest, Staples edged #3 Darien, 9-8.

Congratulations to coach Will Koshansky, and the entire team, on a hard-earned, well-deserved, and fantastic accomplishment!

(Photos/Jada Mirabelle for CIAC Sports)

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A 13% cut in Metro-North service — and 4% fare increase — are coming down the tracks this fall.

What can be done?

Nothing.

That’s the opinion of Jim Cameron, CT Mirror’s transportation columnist.

Click here to read today’s full column. And get ready to gnash your teeth.

Jim Cameron describes what’s on track for local trains. (Photo/Molly Alger)

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Beechwood has been sold.

The storied Weston Road property owned by Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito changes hands later this month.

Before then, the couple’s Beechwood Arts & Immersion — named for the enormous copper beech tree that has shaded the home for 2 centuries — is holding an online auction. It closes this Wednesday (June 14, 7:30 p.m.). Click here for the link. All proceeds go to The Hive, Chiu and Esposito’s next collaborative project.

On Thursday, June 22 (3 to 7 p.m.), there is a “Take and Make” event. It is
“Beechwood’s version of a tag sale.” Go to Beechwood, have refreshments, visit the tree, share a memory of your time there, take some treasures, and make a donation for The Hive.

Among the items: women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry; rare, unusual and fun books; CDs and LPs; home and yard items, and more.

Beechwood House, and its towering copper beech tree.

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Remember this big, ugly, unneeded monstrosity from last summer?

(Photo/Matt Murray)

It’s gone this year.

The view of the plantings at the Compo Beach entrance is now much more soothing.

But wait! How will anyone know how many spaces are available in each lot?!

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Village Pediatrics had 4 interns this spring. Among their tasks: create a new “story walk” outside the office.

The new exhibit — “The Emotions Book” — features a cute elephant who learns to deal with big emotions. The public is invited to wander through the walkway, at 323 Riverside Avenue.

Cooper DeGirolomo of Hamden Hall Country Day School was one of the interns. He says: “The opportunity to learn from such a fantastic group of doctors and nurses has been inspiring, and reinvigorated my interest in pursuing a career in medicine.”

He shadowed physicians during well and sick visits. He learned about diseases and conditions, treatment plans, and medications.

The interns also read books about health, and discussed them with physicians.

Kayla Teplitz, 5, enjoys the Village Pediatrics story walk. She is working on her pre-reading skills, preparing for Coleytown Elementary School kindergarten this fall.

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“Riders to the Sea” was performed this past weekend at the Brooklyn Art Haus.

But theater-goers got a healthy dose of Westport.

Staples High School 2013 graduates (and former Players actors and/or musicians) Phoebe Corde, Jake Landau and Michelle Pauker had prominent roles.

Corde and Landau — part of a group called Off Brand Opera — adapted the opera into a musical. Landau also served as musical director, while Pauker was in the cast. Jake and Phoebe are board members of Off Brand Opera, which produces exciting cross-genre collaborations.

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Speaking of theater: “Days of Wine and Roses” — the new off-Broadway show starring Westport’s Kelli O’Hara — earned a rave review in the Washington Post.

“Her exceptional coloratura proves irresistible for a Guettel-mixed cocktail of ecstasy and pain,” writes Peter Marks.

“At a time when the American musical seems ever more pumped up on pop, what a pleasure it is to encounter a palette of new show tunes delving deeply into character, that favor sweeping emotionality over Spotify familiarity.”

Click here for the full review. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)

Brian d’Arcy James and Kelli O’Hara in Atlantic Theater Company’s world premiere for the musical version of “Days of Wine and Roses.” (Photo/Ahron R. Foster for the Washington Post)

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A rose is a rose … is a “Westport … Naturally” photo.

Today’s beautiful image was taken by Tammy Barry, on Harbor Road.

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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And finally … in honor of today’s gorgeous nature shot (above):

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Comments Off on Roundup: Staples Lacrosse: State Champs! …

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Pic Of The Day #2212

Posted on May 8, 2023 | 7 comments

Next stop: Greens Farms! (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

7 Comments

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Ted Aldrich: A Commuter’s Tale Of How George Marshall And Henry Stimson Won The War

Posted on March 17, 2022 | 5 comments

As Metro-North trains grew progressively slower, Fairfield County commuters groaned.

When bad weather, aging infrastructure or acts of God turned delays of minutes into hours, men and women gnashed their teeth, or wished the windows opened so they could jump out.

Ted Aldrich was thrilled.

For 8 years, the banker used his time between Greens Farms and Grand Central not to try to answer emails, watch movies on a phone screen or wish he were anywhere else.

Aldrich read history books. He organized notes. Then he wrote a book.

Ted Aldrich

Not just any book. He wrote 800 pages — then edited it down to 500 — on the odd relationship, and amazing success, of George Marshall and Henry Stimson.

The general and diplomat, Aldrich says, are hugely responsible for America’s logistical success in World War II. It’s a fresh area of study, one no historian has previously examined.

Yet Aldrich is not a historian. He’s a banker.

And this is his first book ever.

The Rowayton native and former Brien McMahon High School all-state soccer player has been a history buff as long as he remembers. But after playing at Colgate University, living and working in Europe, then moving to Westport in 1999, that passion was limited to reading on trains.

In 2008 he realized he could put that commuting time to productive use, by writing a book he’d long thought about. He had a subject: the collaboration between the unlikely duo of the U.S. Army chief of staff and President Roosevelt’s Secretary of War.

From adjoining offices at the Pentagon, the career military man and the Wall Street lawyer — both from vastly different backgrounds — created and led a war machine that helped crush a powerful enemy.

Blending politics, diplomacy, bureaucracy and war fighting, they transformed an outdated, poorly equipped army into a modern fighting force.  They developed strategy and logistics, coordinated with allies, and planned for post-war peace.

General George Marshall, and Secretary of War Henry Stimson.

Aldrich had the idea for the story. But with Metro-North’s spotty cell service, conducting the all-important research — during the only time he had available — was impossible.

Then he stumbled on Stimson’s 10,000-page diary. Because the men occupied adjoining offices, most of their collaboration took place in conversations. Little was written down — except in the diary.

It was housed at Yale, but not digitized. Aldrich paid to have it converted, and put it on a thumb drive. Suddenly, the train became his office.

The longer the commute was, the more productive and happier he became. Research took 3 years. Writing took 5 more.

Adlrich looked forward to to long business flights to Asia too. While most passengers slept or watched movies, Aldrich wrote, edited, and wrote some more.

That was the easy part. Selling his work to publishers seemed impossible. Major houses were not interested in a long book by a non-historian who had never written anything before.

Neither were smaller publishers.

Finally, Stackpole Books responded to Aldrich’s cold call. Three days later, they offered him a contract.

The Partnership: George Marshall, Henry Stimson, and the Extraordinary Collaboration That Won World War II will be published April 15. Best-selling author Walter Isaacson calls it “a valuable addition to history.”

Noted writer Evan Thomas adds:

The contrast to the current day will pop out at readers. Aldrich writes with a confident, readable style that carries you along. Through these men we remember how America truly did become great. At the same time, Aldrich has a clear eye about their foibles and blind spots. Stimson and Marshall were Olympian figures, yet in Aldrich’s capable hands, human and relatable.

Unlike many writers who head out on book tours, Aldrich has a full-time job. His personal promotion will be limited to groups in the tri-state area, and Washington — talks he can give while still working his day job.

Meanwhile, he’d love to write another book. But he has to find the right subject — and make sure much of the material is available on a thumb drive.

On the other hand, at the rate Metro-North is going, Aldrich may have even more time to write than before.

(For more information and to order Ted Aldrich’s book, click here.) 

5 Comments

Posted in Categories, History, Media, Transportation

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Train Trees Cut Down

Posted on January 19, 2022 | 17 comments

Private property is not the only place where trees are being cut in Westport.

Earlier today, Eversource and Metro-North took down trees in the right-of-way at the railroad station.

Matthew Mandell — an RTM member for the district, and director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce — called it “a great loss to the community. A number of these trees are beautiful in summer. They also obscure part of the tall electric gantry.”

(Photo/Matthew Mandell)

(Photo/Matthew Mandell)

(Photo;Monica Buesser)

 

17 Comments

Posted in Environment, Saugatuck, Transportation

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Wheels2U: New Train Station Service Rolls Out In Westport

Posted on October 10, 2020 | 6 comments

Since COVID struck, commuter traffic is down dramatically. Train station parking lots are nearly empty.

But some folks still need Metro-North. Not all of them can — or want to — drive to Saugatuck or Greens Farms. Westport Transit has been an alternative.

But the shuttle service has not worked for everyone. The schedule did not cover all peak trains. Not everyone lives close to the routes. Supply and demand were not always in sync.

On Monday, Westport Transit introduced “Wheels 2U Westport.” The new on-demand, door-to-train platform shuttle service will operate in nearly all of Westport, and provide rides to both the Saugatuck and Greens Farms stations. Riders can be picked up at home or their place of business.

Nearly all of Westport is included in the service area.

The new service will operate weekdays, from 5:45 to 9:45 a.m., and 4 to 8 p.m.

Commuters can schedule rides shortly before their desired pick-up time through an app (click here, or search for “Wheels2U” on the Apple or Google Play store). The $2 fare can be paid via the app or a Metro-North Uniticket (rail and bus pass).

Wheels2U Westport uses Norwalk Transit’s comfortable blue vehicles and white shuttle buses. It replaces Westport Transit’s 7 commuter shuttle routes, and the temporary on-demand commuter service begun in March during COVID.

Norwalk Transit introduced Wheels2U in that city in 2018.

For more information, click here or call 203-852-0000 (choose option 3).

 

6 Comments

Posted in Saugatuck, Transportation

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[OPINION] Slow Trains Cost Big Bucks

Posted on May 5, 2019 | 25 comments

An alert — and frustrated — “06880” reader writes:

When my wife, daughter and I moved to Westport in the 1980s, the main reasons were the schools, and amenities like Longshore.

But another major reason was that my wife’s commute to the city would work (barely). It was about an hour on Metro-North.

However, as the real estate agent explained to us, houses closer to the city cost more. Her rule of thumb was that for every extra minute of commuting time, homes were $10,000 less expensive. For us, Westport was the “sweet spot.”

Commuting looks pleasant in this image. (Photo copyright Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

It now takes about 20 minutes longer to get to New York City by train than it did back then. That means our house (the same one) is worth $200,000 less than it would if the trains ran on the same schedule.

Westport has about 10,000 homes. If they’re worth $200,000 less on average, that means they’ve lost $2 billion in value due to slower trains.

That $10,000 figure was in 1980s housing dollars. It might be 3 times that much now.

And we were looking at lower-priced houses in Westport, so that $10,000 figure for the lower-priced houses in Westport we were considering was probably twice that for higher-priced houses. So perhaps the real cost of slow Metro-North trains might be 6 times as much: $12 billion.

That’s real money!

The train to New York was quicker in 1949 than 2019.

25 Comments

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Metro-North Scores With Hockey Fans

Posted on April 12, 2017 | 12 comments

If you ride Metro-North long enough, you see everything.

But until yesterday, Tom Feeley had never seen the Stanley Cup.

The longtime Westporter — whose own sport at Staples High School was wrestling — was heading home on the 4:11. As the train left Grand Central, the conductor said the National Hockey League’s most famous trophy was along for the ride.

Tom thought he was kidding. But sure enough — in Greenwich — a big white-gloved guy walked through, carrying the cup.

It was headed for Stamford. NBC Sports is headquartered there, and they’re promoting the playoffs.

Let’s go to the video!

Most people seem blase. But look closely at the end.

You’ll see Tom touch the Stanley Cup.

12 Comments

Posted in People, Sports, Staples HS, Transportation

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Railroad Parking: Less Is More

Posted on October 5, 2016 | 8 comments

The other day, an alert “06880” reader asked if the recent renovation of the train station’s westbound parking lot (#1) resulted in the loss of any spaces. (He was pretty sure it did.)

I did not know the answer. But I knew who would.

Foti Koskinas — who as Westport’s police chief is also responsible for railroad parking — responded (as usual) almost immediately.

He said: Yes. The original plan would have meant 6 fewer spaces. When another exit was added, an additional 2 were lost.

During the project however, realignment of spaces and crosswalks added 2 back. So the 1st number stands: There are now 6 fewer spaces than before.

The reason for the loss, Foti noted, is that the old lot was non-conforming to current regulations. Spaces were too narrow, resulting in many dented doors.

Pre-renovation: an aerial view of train station parking lot 1 (center).

Pre-renovation: an aerial view of train station parking lot 1 (center).

But Foti added lots (ho ho) more information. And it’s all good.

Throughout the summer, the Police Department examined every parking area. New spaces will appear, sometime before the holidays:

  • 12-14 additional parking spots in Lot #2 (the smaller westbound lot, just up the hill from Lot #1 and Luciano Park)
  • 8 new spots on Park Street (coming down the slight hill from Exit 17, opposite the old Blu Parrot/Jasmine/Arrow restaurant)
  • 15-17 more spots on one side of Franklin Street, under I-95
  • 54-60 additional spots in Lot #7, off Franklin Street (due to leases the town took over from the state — not easy, but they got it done!).

But wait! There’s more!

The department has contacted the next 150 commuters on the wait list. They’re in the process of getting their permits.

And more permits may come, once the projects in the bullet list above are completed.

Now, if only Metro-North could respond as quickly and efficiently as the Westport Police…

Click on or hover over to enlarge this railroad station parking map.

Click on or hover over to enlarge this railroad station parking map.

8 Comments

Posted in People, Police, Saugatuck, Transportation

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Next Stop: Willoughby?

Posted on August 17, 2016 | 11 comments

Metro-North riders were pleased to note that the rail line provided “good service” on March 9.

Metro-North -- good service

Unfortunately, yesterday — when this photo was taken — was August 16.

Rod Serling would be proud.

11 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Totally random, Transportation

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