Amtrak has broken ground on constructing the new Connecticut River Bridge between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme in Connecticut.
This project is supported by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as a crucial investment in the Northeast Corridor (NEC) rail line.
The new bridge will replace the ageing structure from 1907, improving both rail and maritime traffic flow between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme, Connecticut.
The modern structure will feature a trunnion bascule span design with modern track, signals, power, and communication systems.
Its implementation will increase the maximum train speed from 45 mph to 70 mph. Additionally, the new bridge will offer greater vertical clearance, enhancing maritime safety.
“Amtrak is thrilled to join our partners to break ground on the new Connecticut River Bridge, a project decades in the making. When completed, this modern bridge will improve the customer experience by eliminating delays, providing faster journeys and modernising another critical infrastructure asset in Connecticut that benefits the entire Northeast Corridor.
“Today’s milestone would not be possible without funding from the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act and continued support from the Biden-Harris Administration along with Connecticut’s champions of rail in Governor Lamont, Senator Blumenthal, Senator Murphy, Congressman Courtney, Commissioner Eucalitto and so many others.”
This 1.3 billion USD project is backed by an 826.64 million USD Federal-State Partnership grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), with additional funding from Amtrak and the State of Connecticut.
Construction is expected to be completed by 2031. The new bridge will then help ensure reliable connectivity along the NEC and will support plans for expanded intercity rail services.
“Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration—and the largest investment in passenger rail since Amtrak was founded—we're replacing the century-old Connecticut River Bridge with a safer, more reliable structure. This bridge is a critical point for freight and passenger rail and maritime traffic along the Northeast, and the new bridge will deliver the faster, more reliable service Americans deserve.”
