Biden administration awards about $12M to expand service on Hartford line

HARTFORD – The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded Connecticut approximately $11.6 million from President Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law to increase and extend service along the CTrail Hartford Line.

Additionally, $2.4 million has slated for Metro-North’s Danbury branch grade crossing engagement, planning, and consolidation, according to Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont.

“From the $1.4 billion in 2022, which included the Walk Bridge replacement in Norwalk to the 2023 $291 million grant that included the Devon Bridge project in Milford/Stratford, and now today’s grants, we’re witnessing how federal and state collaboration is delivering real progress,” said state Sen. Tony Hwang, the ranking Republican member of the Transportation Committee. “These investments will reduce commuter delays, improve safety, and promote environmental sustainability, benefiting families and businesses across Connecticut.”

This funding is being awarded to the Connecticut Department of Transportation under the FRA’s Restoration and Enhancement Program to further expand rail services and improve customer service for riders along the corridor. The federal grant will be matched by approximately $13.4 million in state funds from the DOT.

“The Hartford Line is not only providing a valuable and convenient public transit resource for people who live in central Connecticut, but it is also helping create new opportunities for economic growth and development in the towns it serves,” the governor said. “Expanding service on this line will further make travel on this rail line even more convenient, and I appreciate President Biden and the FRA for partnering with our state to make this happen.”

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy added that the federal investment in the Hartford line will cut down on travel times and “pump billions in the local economy.”

“That is all while creating good-paying union jobs and reducing our carbon footprint,” Murphy said. “This is a big win for Connecticut commuters and for communities along the Hartford Line who will enjoy the benefits of more convenient, reliable transportation and sustained economic growth for years to come.”

U.S. Rep.Rosa DeLauro, who represents parts of New Haven and Stratford, said the funds will be an economic lift throughout the state.

“Totaling $300 million so far from BIL, these rail investments will expand services from Hartford south to New Haven and north to Windsor Locks and Springfield, supporting our transit-oriented development goals and connecting people with jobs while bolstering our local economies,” DeLauro said.

In total, the CTrail Hartford Line Expanded Enhancement Project will:

• Add one weekday round trip from New Haven to Hartford, addressing a midday service gap of up to three hours
• Increase customer service hours at Hartford Union Station by 75%
• Extend the weekend 6456, 6457, 6458, and 6459 trains to Windsor Locks station
• Extend the weekday 4401 train from Windsor Locks to Springfield
• Continue previous 2020 funding for the addition of two weekdays trains between New Haven and Springfield.
• Enhance connectivity of the existing rail service along the Northeast Corridor.

Monday’s announced FRA funding also includes:

• $2 million – The City Link Project in New Haven
• $2 million – Study to remove barriers and reconnect neighborhoods across I-91 in New Haven
• $400,000 – Toelles Road (Wallingford) grade crossing elimination

“These projects aren’t just about fixing infrastructure—they’re about economic development, job creation, and environmental stewardship,” said Sen. Hwang. “Upgrading our rail system will reduce carbon emissions, ease congestion, and provide more reliable transportation options for residents. This kind of smart, forward-thinking investment is key to building a more resilient and sustainable future.”