Governor Ned Lamont and members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation announced Nov. 15 that Connecticut will receive approximately $291 million in federal funding to enhance its rail infrastructure, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced Wednesday. The grants, made possible through President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support five major rail improvement projects across the state.

The investment aims to modernize the state’s rail system, improve reliability, and foster economic growth.

“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,” Governor Lamont said. “We thank the Biden-Harris administration for delivering this investment for Connecticut and supporting our region’s rail system.”

The funding is part of a broader $1.4 billion in grants awarded by the FRA to rail projects across the Northeast Corridor (NEC). Connecticut’s allocation represents 20% of the total amount, underscoring the state’s critical role in the region’s transportation network.

“This historic $291 million federal investment in Connecticut’s rail system will pave the way for a transportation transformation,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal 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.”

The funding, allocated to the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and Amtrak, will be matched by $120 million in state funds and an additional $11.7 million contribution from Amtrak.

“These grants present an historic opportunity to improve track reliability and set the stage for increased rail service across the Northeast Corridor,” Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said.

The grants will fund five key projects:

• $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.

The funds come from the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program, which targets capital projects that improve rail service, reduce maintenance backlogs, and support the growth of intercity passenger rail. The FRA’s funding will go a long way toward addressing Connecticut’s aging rail infrastructure while setting the stage for future growth and improved service.

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