Amtrak has awarded a contract to a joint venture formed of O&G/Tutor Perini to construct the new Connecticut River Bridge on the Northeast Corridor (NEC).
This project will replace the existing 116-year-old bridge to enhance reliability and reduce delays for Amtrak’s intercity services, the Connecticut Shore Line East commuter service, and freight operators.
The contract award follows Amtrak’s success in gaining permit approvals from the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
“Today’s milestone brings us one step closer to putting shovels in the ground and kicking off construction for this major project. We appreciate the Biden-Harris Administration and FRA for the historic funding that has enabled this project and others along the NEC to advance from planning to construction, as well as Senator Blumenthal, Senator Murphy, Governor Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Transportation for their continued support and partnership.”
Through this project, Amtrak will construct a new two-track bridge between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme, CT.
The new moveable bridge will be located immediately south of the existing one. It will feature modern track, signal, catenary, power, communication and other supporting rail infrastructure.
This structure will enable trains to travel at speeds of up to 70 mph, providing a 55% increase from today’s maximum speed of 45 mph.
In addition, the new bridge will improve maritime navigation and safety due to additional vertical clearance.
“Maintaining infrastructure that is capable of safely and efficiently transporting people and goods throughout our region is critical for the economic growth of our state. This new bridge will ensure that rail service can continue in Connecticut for many years to come.”
The project is being delivered through a Design-Bid-Build contract. Design is 100% complete and construction is set to begin in late summer/early autumn 2024.
Amtrak previously awarded a construction management (CM) contract to AECOM, who will assist Amtrak with the management of the construction contractor.
The 1.3 billion USD project is primarily funded by the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA), thanks to an 826.64 million USD federal grant awarded by FRA. The remaining portion will be funded by Amtrak and the State of Connecticut.
