Objectives & Scope

Infrastructure Upgrades

Reliability is the key to a successful passenger rail service.  To accommodate the significant increase in service and to provide the safest, most reliable service, the rail corridor, owned by Amtrak, must be substantially rebuilt.  A second track must be added to provide “double-tracking” for the entire route. In addition, to accommodate two tracks and to enhance safety, at-grade crossings must be improved or re-designed; stations must have platforms on both sides of the track and an overpass connecting them; and bridges, drainage, and the signal system all must be upgraded.  This work must be phased in over several years to match the available Federal and state funding, and to secure the train equipment necessary to operate the expanded service. 

Only a portion of the funding has been awarded to date.  Connecticut DOT will work with the Federal Railroad Administration in the coming years to secure the remainder of funding necessary to complete the infrastructure work and to acquire the train equipment to provide the service. 

The following infrastructure improvements will be built to accommodate projected 2030 service: 

Track

• 38.7 miles of additional double track on existing single track sections
• 5.8 miles of new passing sidings and rehabilitation of two existing sidings
• 9 new interlockings (so trains can change tracks)  
• signaling and control systems, including Positive Train Control 
• Repair, rehabilitation and replacement of bridges and culverts  

Crossings

• Improvements at 38 at-grade crossing  

Stations

• High-level platforms, pedestrian overpasses, parking, and other amenities at: 
  
  - Wallingford
  - Meriden
  - Berlin
  - Windsor 
  - Windsor Locks
  
  
• Future new stations at North Haven, Newington, West Hartford and Enfield, and a new platform at New Haven State Street station

Layover and Maintenance Facilities

• Layover and maintenance facility near Springfield, MA station

Equipment

•  New train equipment to augment Amtrak’s fleet and build Connecticut’s regional train fleet