The CEO of Amtrak, Stephen Gardner, the U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary, Polly Trottenberg, together with other officials, have launched the construction of the new Connecticut River Bridge, between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme, Connecticut.
The existing bridge, which opens for maritime traffic several times a day in peak boating season, was completed in 1907 and today serves more than 50 daily Amtrak Northeast regional and Acela trains, CTrail Shore Line East commuter service trains and freight trains. The aging bridge’s failure to open and close consistently can result in cascading delays to rail and maritime traffic.
The modern, more resilient, moveable new Connecticut River Bridge that is being constructed by Amtrak will feature a trunnion bascule span design with modern track, signalling, catenary, power, communication and other supporting rail infrastructure. It will support a maximum train operating speed of 112.6 km/h (70 mph), a 55% increase from today’s maximum speed of 72 km/h (45 mph). Maritime navigation and safety will also improve due to the increased vertical clearance of the new bridge compared to the existing bridge.
“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,” U.S. Deputy Transportation Secretary said.
This investment will ensure continued connectivity along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) while enabling plans to expand intercity passenger rail service in the region and across the country.
In this summer, Amtrak awarded O&G/Tutor Perini joint venture the design and construction contract.
The USD 1.3 billion project is supported by a USD 826.64 million federal funding from the Partnership Intercity Prassenger Rail programme, managed by the Federal Rail Administration (FRA). The remaining portion will be funded by Amtrak and the State of Connecticut.
Rail traffic will remain in service throughout the project, which is expected to conclude by 2031.
“When completed, this modern bridge will improve the customer experience by eliminating delays, providing faster journeys and modernizing another critical infrastructure asset in Connecticut that benefits the entire Northeast Corridor,” CEO of Amtrak said.
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