Transforming Rail in Naugatuck, Waterbury Line Gets Started

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced this summer that construction on a new train station in Naugatuck is beginning, advancing the Lamont administration’s plan to modernize the entire Waterbury Branch Line and spur downtown redevelopment.

The new station is being relocated approximately 0.3 miles south of the existing station, placing it closer to Naugatuck’s downtown and aligning with the borough’s vision for a vibrant, transit-oriented development near Rubber Avenue and Old Firehouse Road, according to CTDOT officials. This project is described as one of several parts of a larger CTDOT initiative to upgrade all six stations on Metro-North’s Waterbury Branch Line.

“We’re not just building a train station, we’re building more momentum for Naugatuck’s future,” explained Governor Lamont. “This new station brings public transportation closer to the heart of downtown, creating new opportunities for economic development, housing, and walkable neighborhoods. It’s an investment in infrastructure that connects people to jobs and strengthens communities.”

Scheduled to open in summer 2027, the new station will feature a 350-foot-long high-level platform with a snow melt system, ADA-compliant access via an elevator and stair tower, real-time arrival and departure displays, and a passenger waiting area equipped with a ticket vending machine.

Plans also call for 72 on-street parking spaces, including electric vehicle charging stations, energy-efficient LED lighting, and upgraded safety features. The two-story station building will be approximately 2,300 square feet, with a platform area of about 4,400 square feet.

Designed as a multimodal hub, the station will serve as a gateway to a future walkable, mixed-use neighborhood that connects downtown Naugatuck to the east side of the Naugatuck River Greenway. Over the last two years, the Naugatuck train station has served approximately 34,000 riders annually, according to CTDOT.

“Through this project and others along the Waterbury Branch Line, CTDOT is helping communities like Naugatuck realize their transit-oriented development goals,” Commissioner Eucalitto noted. “We’re building modern and accessible stations that align transportation improvements with local plans for growing downtown. I want to thank Metro-North for their continued partnership on this project and others across the Waterbury Line.”

“The new Naugatuck station will provide a safe and modern customer experience while connecting riders to the best service in Metro-North history,” Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek said. “And moving the station to a more convenient downtown location makes it even easier for riders to access all the amenities downtown Naugatuck has to offer.” 

The $33.2 million project is funded by a mix of 80% federal funds and 20% state funds. More than $20 million in federal funds are sourced from the Federal Transit Administration and state bond funds will cover the remainder.

The Naugatuck project is part of a $140 million statewide program to upgrade all stations on the Waterbury Branch Line, including Waterbury, Naugatuck, Beacon Falls, Seymour, Ansonia, and Derby-Shelton. The statewide initiative also includes expanded accessibility features, improved platform designs, and renovated passenger facilities.

Riders will continue to use the current Naugatuck station during construction, with most work scheduled during off-peak hours to minimize disruptions. A temporary shutdown of the Waterbury Line will take place a later date, with substitute bus service to be provided. Details are expected to be announced as the date approaches.