Merritt 7 Danbury Branch Station Rebuild/Replace

Jeff Smith wrote: ↑Thu Jun 08, 2023 8:16 am Our member Greg has posted on IG that the station is finally open.

Thank you for sharing! The overpass and some other minor stuff are still getting finishing touches, but the platform is open.

Here's a video of the first train:

Thanks for the pictures and video. Looks like a nice stop, interesting that it opened with no fanfare. I got a kick out of the "Track 1" signs placed up and down the platform, when there's only one track. Probably could've saved a few bucks there lol.

Traingeek3629 wrote: ↑Sat Jun 10, 2023 9:17 pm Thanks for the pictures and video. Looks like a nice stop, interesting that it opened with no fanfare. I got a kick out of the "Track 1" signs placed up and down the platform, when there's only one track. Probably could've saved a few bucks there lol.

The "Track 1" signage promotes uniformed wayfinding. It may appear unnecessary for railroaders/ railfans like us, but it helps those unfamiliar locate wherr there train will be just as they would at a station with multiple tracks. Many stations like Hartford are the same way.

I would argue that it's pretty difficult to get lost trying to figure out where your train is when there's only one track, but maybe I'm overestimating people.

Consistency in way finding helps people with cognitive disabilities where uncertainty can cause a complete breakdown (such as certain types of Parkinson's disease). I also know that certain assistive technologies for the blind read signs for them, but do not attempt to describe the environment, so having signage for those technologies means the blind can navigate. Just hope you don't find people with your attitude handling way finding when you need to use it.

Traingeek3629 wrote: ↑Sun Jun 11, 2023 12:07 pm I would argue that it's pretty difficult to get lost trying to figure out where your train is when there's only one track, but maybe I'm overestimating people.

You'd be surprised.

Overpass still not open: The Hour

Pedestrian bridge at Merritt 7 train station in Norwalk delayed by supply chain; new platform opens

NORWALK — The new Metro-North train station at Merritt 7 is open for commuters, however, the pedestrian bridge going over the railroad tracks to the office complex is missing some of its needed glass, delaying its debut.

“A lot the glass is missing, so you would kind of have to look closely,” said Josh Morgan, a spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. “We can’t open that structure until its fully encased, so there are still openings. Water can still get in there, and we are waiting for some of that material still.”

The delay is due to ongoing supply chain issues that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, Morgan said. Although the bridge looks complete, Morgan said several panels of glass are missing.
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In addition to the bridge construction, CTDOT will repave and expand the parking lot from 88 spots to 105 spots in August. Demolition on the old platform is expected to start soon, after the June 7 opening of the new platform, Morgan said.
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