Schedule

It takes time to plan, engineer and construct improvements to an active Amtrak and freight rail line.  This is particularly the case where the improvements must be phased over several years to match the availability of Federal funding.  The goal for the NHHS Rail Project is to launch new passenger rail service in 2016.  This will require an aggressive schedule for completing engineering, securing necessary environmental permits, upgrading the rail line, constructing stations and planning for the new passenger rail service.  Because Amtrak owns the rail line, it will be responsible for much of the construction work, including use of its Track Laying System to install the new ties, rail and ballast.

The current schedule includes the following approximate milestones, which are likely to change as the work matures:

• Complete the Environmental Assessment:  end of 2011
• Complete Preliminary Engineering:  June 2012
• Complete Final Design:  March 2013
• Complete Construction:  end of 2015
• Launch New Service:  2016

While design of the new stations at North Haven, Newington, West Hartford and Enfield will advance with other project design, there currently is no funding to construct these stations. Efforts are underway to secure construction funds for these stations.