Conn. panel set to OK $115 M in rail improvements

STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) -- The State Bond Commission is expected to approve $115 million for improvements to Connecticut's busiest station along the New Haven commuter rail line and the replacement of a key railroad bridge.

The commission, chaired by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, is scheduled to vote Friday on issuing $40 million in bonds to upgrade the Stamford Transportation Center. The project calls for replacing the aging 727-space parking garage with a new facility that has a minimum of 1,000 new spaces, improving the flow of traffic around the facility and promoting transit-oriented development.

Commission members are also anticipated to approve $75 million to replace the New Haven Line railroad bridge over Atlantic Street in Stamford. The bridge was originally built in 1896.

Both projects are expected to be completed in 2016.