CTDOT Breaks Ground on New Station in Naugatuck

Connecticut DOT (CTDOT) has begun construction on a new train station in Naugatuck, 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 transit-oriented development near Rubber Avenue and Old Firehouse Road. This project is 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,” said 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. It will also offer 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.

“Through this project and others along the Waterbury Branch Line, CTDOT is helping communities like Naugatuck realize their transit-oriented development goals,” said Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “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. I’m also grateful to Governor Lamont and the Federal Transit Administration for the critical investments that are making this work possible.”

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

“The Waterbury Line offers critical rail service to thousands of Valley residents, but the Naugatuck station is in need of urgent revitalization,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). “Over $26 million in federal funding will improve commuters’ travel experience through increased connectivity and accessibility upgrades while bolstering transit-oriented development in Naugatuck. I’m proud to have worked alongside the Connecticut delegation to secure funding for necessary updates to our rail system.”

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.

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 includes expanded accessibility features, improved platform designs, and renovated passenger facilities to meet the needs of 21st-century commuters.