The Connecticut River Bridge, first built in 1907, is located on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between the towns of Old Saybrook and Old Lyme and is used by Amtrak, CTRail’s Shore Line East and freight trains.

The project will involve building a two-track, electrified, and resilient movable bridge structure equipped with new track, signal, catenary, power, communication, controls and security features. The new bridge structure is expected to have a design life of 150 years. The bridge replacement will allow for better reliability and decreased delays for travelers due to trains traveling on more modern infrastructure.

Amtrak hired a 3rd Party Consultant to design the new bridge and is in the process of hiring a construction management firm to assist with the construction phase of the project. The design is currently at 90% design level and working toward a 100% design to be submitted in the near future. An Environmental Assessment (EA) and Preliminary Design has been completed to date with a NEPA Reevaluation currently being performed.

Amtrak is also in the process of coordinating with both state and federal agencies to obtain several environmental permits needed for the project based on both temporary and permeant disturbances anticipated during construction.

Amtrak begins procurement in 2023 and construction is expected to start in 2024.

Benefits

• Improved reliability
• Higher speeds
• Improved rail and maritime operations

Partners

• Amtrak
• Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT)