The Connecticut River Bridge—built in 1907—has been a source of major delays to rail traffic along the Northeast Corridor for years. But this week Amtrak—along with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Polly Trottenberg, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Representative Joe Courtney and Connecticut’s Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto— officially broke ground on a sleek new bridge that promises smoother sailing in the future.
The old bridge, while quaint, is a relic from another era. It opens and closes multiple times a day during peak boating season while serving over 50 Amtrak Northeast Regional and Acela trains as well as CTrail Shore Line East commuters and freight trains. But it regularly breaks down, causing traffic chaos on both land and water.
Amtrak’s high-tech new bridge will feature a trunnion bascule span and several tech upgrades like new tracks, signals and power systems. In other words—a big step up that will boost train speeds from 45 mph to a 70 mph. The new bridge will also offer more vertical clearance, so maritime traffic will have a little extra breathing room.
This $1.3 billion project, supported by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is more than just a bridge—it’s about keeping America’s busiest rail corridor in top shape to maintain connectivity and pave the way for expanded intercity rail service. Trains will continue to run along the route, and construction is set to be completed by 2031.