Town: Watertown

The Waterbury Line of Metro North plays a critical role in connecting the communities of the Naugatuck Valley. CTDOT and Metro North recently completed projects to add passing sidings, modern signals, and PTC (positive train control) to the Waterbury line, allowing for the addition of 7 more trains per day in the 2022 fiscal year. 

The following resources represent the planning effort around rail in the region:

Central Connecticut Rail Study – this study looks at the possibility of upgrading freight service and restarting passenger service on the existing track between the Waterbury Station and the Hartford Line through Bristol.

CTDOT is currently updating the state rail plan, a federally backed statewide plan identifying priorities and benefits of rail within the region.

NVCOG is in the final stages of preparing a Route 8/Waterbury Line Alternative Modes Study identifying opportunities for improved service, economic development, and better connections throughout the Naugatuck Valley.

Public transit in the Greater Naugatuck Valley provides options for residents and visitors while helping to mitigate congestion and transportation related greenhouse gas output. The region is served by several districts of Connecticut Transit, Greater Bridgeport Transit, an extension of the Connecticut Fastrak system, and the Valley Transit District. 

WATS – NVCOG completed and adopted the Waterbury Area Transit Study in 2017 recommending specific service improvements to bus service in the region. 

Concurrently with the 2023 MTP, NVCOG staff is creating the Greater Naugatuck Valley Active Transportation Plan. 

The majority of trips in the NVCOG Planning Region are taken by car, and our robust network of highways, roads, and local streets makes up the backbone of our transportation system. Anchored by Interstate 84 and the Route 8 expressway, our road network is aging and  prone to delays. 

As we envision the transportation system of 2045, we seek to identify and propose solutions to the areas of our highway system that currently underperform while offering alternatives to those who can’t or don’t want to drive.  

An equally important focus of the MTP is the movement of goods throughout the region. As part of the North East Mega Region, freight in the NVCOG Planning region involves a lot more than the goods coming to our municipalities. The freight infrastructure in our region supports the movement of goods throughout the region. 

CTDOT is currently working to update the statewide freight plan, off of which NVCOG will make updates to our regional plan.  

As part of the Metropolitan Area Planning Forum, NVCOG is included in a Freight Alternative Fuels Corridor Study

Our region is home to one general aviation airport. The Oxford-Waterbury Airport is administered by the Connecticut Airport Authority and provides recreational as well as commercial air services. 

The CAA is currently updating their long term plan for the Oxford-Waterbury Airport.