Metro-North to open West Haven Station, expand track project

On Sunday, MTA Metro-North Railroad will open its new West Haven Station on the New Haven Line.

Located between the New Haven and Milford stations, the new contemporary-style station was designed, built and funded by the state of Connecticut. The station features two 1,100-foot platforms, covered waiting areas, bicycle racks, concession stand areas, ticket machines on each platform, artwork and the latest technology, Metro-North officials said in a press release.

The station also includes two buildings: the main station building on the north side of the tracks houses the waiting area, restrooms and space for vendors and offices; and a smaller structure features a staircase leading to the pedestrian overpass and to the larger building.

In addition, the station includes a new parking area for more than 650 cars.

Meanwhile, Metro-North is expanding and extending a track reconstruction project under way in the Bronx, N.Y. As part of this work, a systemwide schedule change will take effect Aug. 19, agency officials said.

The work, between Melrose and Woodlawn, requires taking one to two of the four tracks out of service in what officials describe as a critical six-mile section of the railroad, which will significantly reduce track capacity and cause congestion. In addition, speed restrictions are in effect to accommodate the project as well as other long-term and routine infrastructure maintenance work north and east of this section of the Bronx, Metro-North officials said.