The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is awarding Connecticut approximately $291 million from President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will be used for railroad improvements at five projects across the state.
The grants, which are being awarded to the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and Amtrak, are funded through the Northeast Corridor Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program. Connecticut’s share of funding represents 20% of the total $1.4 billion in grants the FRA awarded Friday for rail projects along the Northeast Corridor.
The federal investment will be matched by $120 million in state funds from the state DOT. Additionally, Amtrak is contributing $11.7 million toward the projects.
“The projects these grants are funding will help pull Connecticut’s rail system into a new era and boost reliability while supporting the economic growth of our state,” Gov. Ned Lamont said. “We thank the Biden-Harris administration for delivering this investment for Connecticut and supporting our region’s rail system.”
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal believes the federal funds will be a major lift for much needed infrastructure improvements.
“This historic $291 million federal investment in Connecticut’s rail system will pave the way for a transportation transformation,” he said. “The replacement of aging bridges on rail lines and track improvements will provide Connecticut commuters with more options, consistent services, and reduced travel times, all while promoting the use of passenger rail.”
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, who represents New Haven and parts of Fairfield County, sees the funds helping out the local economy.
“This funding is a needed investment in Connecticut’s future and the strength of our passenger rail infrastructure,” she said. “With $291 million in funding, the Connecticut Department of Transportation will be able to upgrade tracks, increase the reliability of our rail services, and expand the options available to our residents. This grant will also bolster our local economy and help create and support jobs.”
U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, who represents Fairfield County, is in agreement.
“It’s a point of pride, and a particular privilege, that I ride Amtrak and Metro-North so frequently,” he said. “Our state’s passenger rail system gets thousands to school and work every day and offers an expansive transportation alternative to commuting by car. What’s more, this project will create good-paying jobs and reduce traffic and pollution statewide.”
The $291 million in grants include:
- $172 million for Track Improvement and Mobility Enhancement: The project is for construction activities supporting the installation of 88 catenary structures, addition of four new crossovers, and replacement of the Longbrook Avenue Roadway bridge along a three-mile segment of New Haven Line Main Line, which passes through Bridgeport, Stratford, and Milford.
- $102 million for Hartford Line Rail Program Double Track Project: The project is for the construction of track improvements along 6.7 miles of existing track in West Hartford, Hartford, Windsor, and Windsor Locks. The improvements will establish a double track along this corridor to provide more frequent passenger service to Hartford and Springfield. Other improvements include track upgrades and installation, signal upgrades, and gate and road crossing upgrades.
- $8 million for the Connecticut River Bridge Replacement Project: This funding will be used for a planning-level study for the replacement of the 117-year-old Connecticut River Bridge on the Amtrak-owned New Haven-Hartford-Springfield corridor in Windsor Locks.
- $6.4 million for Cos Cob Bridge Replacement Study: The project is for planning activities to determine the best course of action in replacing the 120-year-old, movable Cos Cob Bridge over the Mianus River in Greenwich.
- $2.56 million for Hartford Station Relocation Project: The project is for planning construction of a new Hartford train station and multimodal hub with associated realignment and double-tracking of 2.1 miles of the Hartford Line in Hartford.
