Amtrak to replace the Connecticut River Bridge | So Good News

AMTRAK has announced that it will begin procurement in early 2023 for a design-bid-build contract to replace the Connecticut River Bridge, located between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme on the New York – Boston portion of the Northeast Corridor (NEC).

The $500 million project is funded by Amtrak, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Amtrak intends to award the contract in late 2023 for work beginning in early 2024.

The current structure that takes the NEC over the Connecticut River dates from 1907 and is used by Shore Line East commuter services supported by CTDOT and freight trains as well as Amtrak long-distance passenger trains.

The new structure will accommodate a double-track, electrified main line and will have a “suspended” movable section to enable shipping to pass through. The replacement bridge is expected to have a lifespan of 150 years.

The project includes new track, signalling, catenary, power supply and communication systems. The selected contractor will also carry out any mitigation measures required during the process of obtaining planning and environmental approval.

The new Connecticut River Bridge is one of the major infrastructure projects now being advanced by Amtrak’s new Capital Delivery division, responsible for developing and executing all one-time and non-IT capital projects.

Amtrak currently has over $40 billion of capital projects under development, including new rolling stock, major station programs and third-party projects.

Other major infrastructure projects include replacing Amtrak’s oldest legacy tunnel under Baltimore, where a new NEC line of twin bore tunnels will be built. Amtrak says similar procurement opportunities will be announced in the coming months.

“The Connecticut River Bridge is a vital part of the Northeast Corridor’s busy rail line, and is in dire need of repairs,” said Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Senator for Connecticut. “I have proudly championed federal support for Connecticut’s railroads to make these types of upgrades possible and to improve rail service for the traveling public.”

“Thanks to the Federal Railroad Administration and the Connecticut federal delegation’s continued support of Connecticut’s rail infrastructure and our ongoing partnership with Amtrak, much-needed improvements to the Connecticut River Bridge are on the horizon,” said Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Mr. Joe Giulietti.

“This area is a critical piece of infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor, and through this project, services will improve and speed will increase.”

“Building a new Connecticut River Bridge is one of several projects Amtrak is advancing that signifies a new era for rail,” said Laura Mason, executive vice president of capital delivery at Amtrak.

“We thank our partners for their support, and we look forward to awarding the contract so we can break ground on a project that will improve the reliability of the NEC and rail travel in Connecticut and beyond.”