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News Briefs

Public Invited to Review and Comment on the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Enfield Railroad Station

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), in cooperation with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and U.S. Department of housing and Urban Development (HUD), announce the availability of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Enfield Railroad Station for public review and comment. The proposed Project includes a new passenger rail station and associated parking in Enfield, Connecticut, as well as railroad track improvements that would extend approximately 2200 feet north and south of the proposed Station (4400 total feet), the replacement of the railroad bridge over Main Street and related roadway improvements, and the closure of the Asnuntuck Street railroad underpass. The proposed Project is a component of the Hartford Line Rail Program and the Station would be serviced by the CTrail, CTDOT's existing intercity and regional rail service from New Haven, CT to Springfield, MA, and by local bus service, to provide multi-modal access.

The EA describes the Purpose and Need for the Project, the alternatives evaluated and the Preferred Alternative, and their anticipated impact on social and natural environmental resources. The EA also provides proposed mitigation measures and a summary of the public engagement process.

The public review and comment period will be open from May 28, 2024, and conclude on June 30, 2024.

EA Review

The EA will be available for download and review on May 28, 2024, at https://www.regulations.gov/document/FRA-2024-0058-0001. Hardcopy versions of the EA are also available at:

• Enfield Public Library, 104 Middle Road, Enfield, CT
• Somers Public Library, 2 Vision Boulevard, Somers, CT
• Richard Salter Storrs Library, 693 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow MA

Providing Comment:

Written comments can be submitted using the comment portal at https://www.regulations.gov/document/FRA-2024-0058-0001

Comments can also be mailed or emailed to:

Major Projects -RRD 32
USDOT FRA
West Building
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590

Comment Deadline:

Comments must be received by June 30, 2024.

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Enfield Station Public Information Meeting Was Held Oct. 4, 2023

Public Events - Enfield Station Public Meeting

View Flyer

An in-person and virtual public informational meeting for the project was held on Wednesday, October 4 at 6:00 p.m. 

The proposed project, which is a key component of the Hartford Line Rail Program, would provide a safe, reliable, and convenient alternative mode to car travel connecting Enfield to Hartford, New Haven, Springfield and via Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, to the cities of New York and Boston. The proposed railroad station would be serviced by CTrail’s Hartford Line Rail, would provide an additional option to the existing bus service, thereby increasing frequencies for non-automobile travel between Enfield and the Cities served by CTrail. The Proposed Station would also accommodate connections to local bus service in Enfield, further enhancing access to/from Enfield via the proposed railroad station and reducing automobile emissions. The project also supports local planning initiatives in the Thompsonville neighborhood of Enfield.

Construction is anticipated to begin Spring 2025, dependent on the acquisition of rights of way and approval of permit(s). The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $45.5 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 40% federal funds and 60% state funds.

The public information meeting was held to provide the public and local communities with an overview of the proposed Enfield Railroad Station project and offer the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments. Members of CTDOT’s Rights-of-Way group were present to address rights-of-way for the proposed project. A Question & Answer session immediately followed the presentation. This meeting also served to kick off and explain the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, which is required because CTDOT has received grants from federal agencies to assist in funding construction of the Proposed Station. The NEPA process will evaluate and report on impacts of the Proposed Project to natural and human environment and affords additional opportunities to comment on the project in the future.

Closed captioning was available. Non-English translation options were available on Zoom and YouTube. The recording are also available on CTDOT’s YouTube Virtual Public Information Meeting playlist: portal.ct.gov/ctdotvpimarchive.

New Historical Exhibits Along the Hartford Line

As part of the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) Line Program, historic exhibits have been installed in several stations along the corridor. The Rail Line is situated along a Corridor Historic District that is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The purpose of the exhibits is to provide the public with an opportunity to learn about the historic significance of the NHHS rail line and about the architectural and engineering importance of certain stations and other rail line elements that contribute to its historic significance.

The exhibits feature details central to the development of rail in the Connecticut Valley, and use both text and images to present the historical information. Examples include the History of the Hartford Line, Women in Rail during WWII, and African American Workers on the New Haven Line. The installation of these historic panels allow passengers to learn about the history of rail in the state while they wait for their train.

Installation of the exhibits fulfills a requirement of an agreement (Programmatic Agreement) among the Federal Railroad Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the Connecticut and Massachusetts State Historic Preservation Offices and CTDOT, regarding compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act as it pertains to the NHHS HighSpeed Intercity Passenger Rail Project.

To learn more about the historical exhibits and to view each of them, please visit the website's Media Gallery. Or better yet, take a trip on the Hartford Line and observe the exhibits in person.

CTDOT Announces New Wayside Horn System That Reduces Train Noise Along The Hartford Line Corridor

On Tuesday, January 22, 2019, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that Connecticut has become the first state in New England to utilize automated horn systems, commonly known as wayside horns, installed in at-grade railroad crossings as part of noise mitigation efforts along the CTrail Hartford Line corridor. The horns were put into service on Monday, January 21, 2019, at the Cooper Street crossing, located between Cherry Street and South Colony Street in Meriden. In the coming weeks, wayside horns will be installed at the Pent Highway railroad crossing, located between North Plains Industrial Road and North Colony Road in Wallingford. CTDOT plans to continue the installation of wayside horns at grade crossings along the Hartford Line Rail to reduce noise.

An automated horn system consists of stationary horns mounted on poles at active railroad crossings. The system is designed to direct a consistent audible warning toward the roadway, alerting motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists to an approaching train.

For additional details regarding the benefits of wayside horns, please click here to view the full CTDOT press release.

Gov. Malloy Announces Connecticut Completes Positive Train Control Installation on All Passenger Rail Lines

On Wednesday, December 19, 2018, Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced that every passenger rail line in Connecticut will have positive train control (PTC) installed on their systems by December 31, 2018, fulfilling a recently enacted requirement by the Federal Railroad Administration for every passenger rail line in the country to implement the safety measure by the end of the year.

PTC is a system designed to stop a train automatically before an accident occurs, including preventing train-to-train collisions, derailments caused by excessive train speed, movement of a train onto sections of track where maintenance work is taking place, and incidents when a track switch has been left in the wrong position.

"Tens of thousands of Connecticut residents depend on passenger rail service for their daily commutes, and they deserve to have a best-in-class, safe, and effective system," Governor Malloy said. "We have been moving aggressively to improve and modernize the infrastructure in our state because a strong and reliable transportation system is key to a robust economy where people want to live and businesses can grow. The Connecticut Department of Transportation has moved assertively on the implementation of these rail safety measures and I want to thank them for their continued work on this effort."

For full details, click here to view the full press release.

Fall 2018 Newsletter is now Available!

The Fall 2018 edition of the NHHS Rail Program newsletter is now available!

Highlights of this edition include:

• Hartford Line Momentum Continues
• CTrail Hartford Line Bicycle Update
• Track Construction Completion
• Berlin Station Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
• CTrail Hartford Line Restroom Update

View the newsletter here. We hope you enjoy the latest edition!

To learn more about the new CTrail Hartford Line passenger rail service, please visit www.hartfordline.com.

Gov. Malloy Announces Completion of New Train Station in Berlin Serving the Hartford Line

Today, October 23, 2018, Governor Dannel P. Malloy joined Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker and other state and local officials to commemorate the grand opening of the new CTrail Hartford Line station in Berlin. Located at 51 Depot Road, the station provides service to Hartford Line and Amtrak trains.

Construction on the station began in December 2014. The station was partially opened to passengers in June when the recently created Hartford Line launched for service.

“A modern and efficient transportation system is critical to growing our economy, attracting business, and creating new jobs,” Governor Malloy said. “This new station in Berlin will help connect commuters who live in the area to cities and towns along the Central Connecticut corridor, making their daily trips easier and much less stressful. With the creation of the Hartford Line, we are building a future that allows our state to be much more competitive and attract the jobs of the future.”

View the full press release here.

CTDOT TO HOST RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY AT THE NEW HARTFORD LINE STATION IN BERLIN

On Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new CTrail Hartford Line Berlin Station!

The station is located at 51 Depot Road in Berlin, adjacent to the former site of the historic Berlin Station. The new Berlin Station opened partially in June,prior to construction completion, in order to accommodate CTrail Hartford Line passengers.

The fully-completed Berlin Station features amenities aimed at providing a high-quality passenger experience, including high-level platforms, an overhead pedestrian bridge, overhead canopies, anautomatic snow melting system, a passenger information display system, electric vehicle charging station, and bicycle racks. The station includes a 235-space surface parking lot for use by Hartford Line passengersand the public.

In the event of inclement weather, please click here to view the New Haven – Hartford – Springfield Rail Program’s Facebook event page and here to view our Twitter page. Any changes to the event will be posted.

Residents, businesses, and rail passengers are welcome to attend!

 

CTDOT Announces Completion of a Second Rail Track on the CTrail Hartford Line between Hartford and Windsor

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the completion and opening of a second track on the CTrail Hartford Line, between Hartford and Windsor. It signifies the completion of four miles of track construction as part of the current New Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) Rail Program. Some follow-up construction activity will be ongoing through mid-November.

 

CTDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker stated, “This is another milestone for the NHHS Rail Program and the Hartford Line service. It also represents another step closer towards the 2030 vision of expanded rail passenger service in New England.”

 

Click here to read the full press release.

CTDOT Announces Hartford Line Service Changes for Weekend of September 7-10, 2018 and A New Schedule Effective September 10, to Accommodate Track Work

Beginning at 10:30 p.m. on Friday, September 7, CTrail Hartford Line and Amtrak Hartford Line rail service between Hartford and Springfield will be served by buses. This will allow workers to complete installation of the final section of double track between Hartford and Windsor. Buses will continue to transport passengers on this portion of the Hartford Line corridor until 5:00 a.m. on Monday, September 10.  Customers should present their rail ticket to board these buses.

CTrail Hartford Line and most Amtrak Hartford Line service between New Haven and Hartford will be not be impacted by the weekend track work and will be served by trains as scheduled.  Amtrak regional through trains will be bused between Springfield and New Haven and operated by train between New Haven and Washington. The Amtrak trains that will be bused from all stations New Haven through Springfield are numbers 140, 143, 146, 147, 148 and 157.

Amtrak’s Vermonter passengers will be transported by bus between New Haven and Vermont, beginning on Saturday September 8 through Tuesday, September 11.  The extended service modification for the Vermonter train is to accommodate rail bridge rehabilitation work being done in Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Amtrak, Connecticut and Massachusetts worked together to coordinate the timing of these construction projects to minimize disruptions to passengers.

A new Hartford Line train schedule will take effect September 10, 2018, to accommodate continuing track work. Along with this new schedule, all Amtrak Hartford Line trains will now stop at New Haven State Street Station. This is the closest station to downtown businesses, shops, restaurants, theaters, museums and the New Haven Green.

Travelers should check schedules for any travel planned on these dates at www.hartfordline.com and www.amtrak.com.

CTDOT Announces CTrail Hartford Line Rail Service Schedule for Labor Day Weekend

During the Labor Day Holiday weekend there are some changes to the normal train schedules. 

On Sunday, September 2, all trains will operate on a Saturday schedule. On Monday, September 3, all trains will operate on a Sunday schedule. Regularly scheduled CTrail Hartford Line service will return Tuesday, September 4.

CTrail Hartford Line and Amtrak regional travelers should check schedules for any travel planned for the weekend.

The full CTrail Hartford Line service schedule can be viewed here.

Connect on social media via Facebook @hartfordline, through Twitter @hartfordline or Instagram @hartfordlinect. The official Hartford Line train status and alerts is available on Twitter @HLalerts, also viewable on the homepage of the Hartford Line website, www.hartfordline.com.

Enjoy the weekend!

Connecticut Department of Transportation

CTDOT Announces End of Free Parking Promotion at Hartford Line Stations Beginning on September 4, 2018

The Connecticut Department of Transportation today announced that on Tuesday, September 4^th, it will end its free parking promotion and begin paid parking at the CTrail Hartford Line stations in Berlin, Meriden and Wallingford.

Paid parking applies Monday through Friday for both Hartford Line rail passengers and the public. Parking is free on weekends and federal holidays. These stations are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Please see below for additional information:

Berlin Station (51 Depot Road)

• Weekday Parking: $2/day. Pay before boarding the train at the parking kiosks or Hartford Line ticket vending machines. Passengers must provide their parking space number prior to remitting payment. Cash, debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) accepted.

• Monthly parking available for $20/month*

• 235 spaces available at the station’s surface parking lot.

 Meriden Station (60 State Street)

• Weekday Parking:

  • Surface lot (65 spaces): $2/day. Pay at gate with debit/credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) or by cash at the parking kiosk located adjacent to lot before leaving.

  • 24 Colony Street parking garage (225 spaces). First 2 hours free. $7/day for non-rail passengers. Hartford Line passengers pay only $2 with a voucher and may obtain it from the garage attendant by showing proof of rail ticket purchase. Cash payments can only be made at the garage parking pay station, located on the ground level at the Church Street entrance. Debit/credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) may be used at the pay station or exit gate.

• Monthly parking available for both surface parking and parking garage:

• $20/month for rail passengers and $40/month for non-rail passengers. 

Wallingford Station (343 North Cherry Street)

• Weekday Parking: $2/day. Pay before boarding the train at the parking kiosks or Hartford Line ticket vending machines. Passengers must provide their parking space number prior to remitting payment. Cash, debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) accepted.

• Monthly parking available for $20/month*

• 221 spaces available at the station’s two surface parking lots (North Cherry Street and Route 5).

*To apply for a monthly parking permit visit www.ctrides.com/parking.

 For questions regarding the Hartford Line, please contact customer service, provided by CTrides, at 1-877-CTrides (1-877-287-4337) or email info@ctrides.com. You may also visit www.hartfordline.com.

In addition to servicing the Hartford Line and Shore Line East CTrail services, CTrides helps commuters find the best way to get to work or school and offers information and resources for travel options throughout Connecticut. CTrides offers carpools, vanpools, bus, train, biking/walking and teleworking solutions.

Relay Connecticut is a free service that provides full telephone accessibility. Call 711 and request the Relay Operator to contact CTrides (1-877-287-4337).

About the Hartford Line: The new service features 17 daily round trips between New Haven and Hartford, with 12 of these trips continuing north, terminating at Union Station in Springfield, MA. Trains operate at speeds up to 110 MPH, with a travel time between New Haven and Springfield of approximately 81 minutes. Hartford Line service provides direct or connecting service to New York City, Boston, and Vermont.

CTDOT Announces That Bikes Will Be Allowed On CTrail Hartford Line Trains Beginning on August 16, 2018

Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (CTDOT) Public Transportation Chief Richard Andreski today announced that CTrail Hartford Line trains will allow bicycles on board beginning Thursday, August 16.

“With the growing success of the Hartford Line, we are pleased to announce that we will now allow bikes on board, providing passengers with more car-free travel options.”

In response to customer requests and outreach by the bicycle advocate community, CTDOT conducted an analysis which determined that bicycles could be safely stored on board CTrail Hartford Line trains. The new policy allows customers to bring their bicycles on board any CTrail Hartford Line train. The bicycles must be stored in accordance with crew member directions to ensure the safety of customers and train crews.

For more details, view the full CTDOT press release here.

Summer 2018 Newsletter is now Available!

The Summer 2018 edition of the NHHS Rail Program newsletter is now available!

Highlights of this edition include:

• Hartford Line Opening Weekend
• Turnout for Service Launch Weekend Exceeds Ridership Expectations
• One Ticket – Any Train
• Hartford Line Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
• New Hartford Line Stations Open in Meriden and Berlin

View the newsletter here. We hope you enjoy the latest edition!

To learn more about the new CTrail Hartford Line passenger rail service, please visit www.hartfordline.com.

Connecticut Featured in the June 2018 Edition of SPEEDLINES Newsletter

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has published the 23rd version of its "SPEEDLINES" newsletter, which highlights recent advancements in high-speed intercity passenger rail. Featured in this edition is the NHHS Rail Program and Hartford Line, with a closer look at several recent major milestones including the Meriden Station ribbon cutting ceremony and Hartford Line service launch!

APTA is a group that seeks to "strengthen and improve public transportation", and "leads its diverse membership through advocacy, innovation and information sharing. APTA and its members and staff work to ensure that public transportation is available and accessible for all Americans in communities across the country." 

Click here to read the article in its entirety, beginning on page 20.

Governor Malloy Announces Ridership for Hartford Line Opening Weekend

On June 18th, Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced that the CTrail Hartford Line attracted a total of 21,850 riders over the course of its two-day opening weekend of service, during which travel was free to celebrate the launch. Sunday attracted a phenomenal response of 11,550 riders, surpassing the 10,300 who rode the train on its opening day of service, June 16th.

“There’s undoubtedly a sense of excitement about this long-overdue train service,” Governor Malloy said. “We also recognize that a new rail line like this takes time to grow and become part of the everyday lives of the residents of Central Connecticut. This weekend showed that the potential is there. What we must remember is that this is not just about transit – it’s about building vibrant communities and continuing to make Connecticut a more attractive place to live, visit, and do business.”

Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) “red shirt” ambassadors greeted and assisted the thousands of customers at stations up and down the line throughout the weekend.

“People were making trips to numerous activities that were happening throughout the region this weekend, including the New Haven Arts and Ideas festival, the Hartford Yard Goats game, the block party in Hartford, or just taking the opportunity to take a round trip to experience the new service,” DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker said. “Additional trains and buses were operated to accommodate all of the trips on the system throughout the weekend.”

Click here to read the full press release.

Governor Malloy Announces Launch of the Hartford Line

Gov. Malloy Announces Launch of the Hartford Line,
Providing Frequent Rail Service in the Central Connecticut Corridor

CTrail Hartford Line is the First Passenger Rail Line to Open in Connecticut in Over Two Decades

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today joined dozens of federal, state, and local officials, and Connecticut commuters to officially launch the CTrail Hartford Line for service. The passenger rail line, which has multiple stations in Central Connecticut along the I-91 corridor connecting New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield, is the first passenger rail line to open for service in Connecticut since 1990.

The Governor marked the occasion first with a ceremony in New Haven, where he joined other officials for a brief ribbon cutting ceremony, and then boarded one of the distinctive red, white, and black-branded rail cars for a ride to Hartford’s Union Station, where the main grand opening ceremony was held. A second train carrying Massachusetts officials departed Springfield and arrived in Hartford for the ceremony. As the trains arrived from each direction, they broke through Hartford Line banners that were suspended across the tracks. Hundreds of federal, state, and local officials and members of the public attended the ceremony to celebrate the launch of the line, which has been under consideration for decades.

“With the launch of the Hartford Line, Connecticut is taking long-overdue, bold steps to invest in our future – laying the tracks for job growth, business expansion, and the revitalization of our urban areas,” Governor Malloy said. “Investing in our transportation system is critical to drive economic growth, boost development, create jobs, and improve the overall quality of life for our residents. If we want our state to be competitive and attract the jobs of the future, investing in our transportation system is not optional.”

Please click here to view the full press release.

Ride the Hartford Line FREE this Weekend!

Ride the Hartford Line FREE this Weekend!

The new Hartford Line rail service begins tomorrow, on Saturday, June 16th! To celebrate the launch of the first new rail service in Connecticut in over 20 years, the Connecticut Department of Transportation invites the public to ride the line free on Saturday, June 16th and Sunday, June 17th!

Ambassadors will be at all Hartford Line stations distributing complimentary tickets. With the exception of the Vermonter, this weekend’s complimentary tickets will be honored by Amtrak trains that serve the Hartford Line.

View the Hartford Line schedules at HartfordLine.com! 

 

CT News Junkie: New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Train Line to Debut

From CT News Junkie:

New rail service announcements have become routine as Connecticut’s reliance upon trains has increased over the years, but the debut of the $755 million Hartford Line has brought with it some added buzz.

First, the expansion of the line into a full-service commuter corridor has been nearly a decade-and-a-half in the making, slowed by funding delays. Specifically, the line was only a single track for decades, severely limiting the number of trips available. Amtrak has been offering a limited schedule on the single track as part of its Northeast regional service.

Second, running high-speed trains along the busy I-91 corridor is expected to make the highway less congested.

Third, proponents of the expansion are hanging their hats on the economic development that comes with improvements to public transit infrastructure.

“The Hartford Line will revolutionize transportation in central Connecticut and is already spurring millions of dollars in transit-oriented economic development up and down the line,” Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker said.

“Thousands of car trips in the I-91 corridor will be eliminated, millions of gallons of gas will be saved, and the overall quality of life in our state will improve with new commuting options, including easy connections to Boston, New York, and beyond,” Redeker added.

Read the full article here.

CTDOT ANNOUNCES SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN DAILY TRAINS ALONG THE NEW HAVEN-HARTFORD-SPRINGFIELD CORRIDOR BEGINNING JUNE 9

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced that beginning June 9, 2018, rail traffic along the Hartford Line corridor will increase significantly, as the final preparations for the June 16^th Hartford Line rail service launch take place. 

Both Amtrak and CTrail trains will serve the Hartford Line. On June 9^th, Amtrak’s portion of the Hartford Line service will commence, increasing daily Amtrak trains from 12 to 18. Also on June 9^th, CTrail trains will begin test runs of the full Hartford Line schedule of 16 weekday trips. 

The CTrail test trains are not open to passengers. The Amtrak trains will be revenue trains, open to passengers at existing Amtrak fares. However, when the Hartford Line service launches on June 16, Hartford Line fares will be honored on Amtrak trains serving the Hartford Line corridor, except on the Vermonter, which will maintain its existing fare structure. A full Hartford Line fare chart can be viewed at http://www.hartfordline.com/pdf/fare_schedule.pdf .

When the Hartford Line launches, CTrail and Hartford Line trains will provide a total of 34 daily trips on weekdays, 12 trips on Saturdays, and 13 trips on Sundays and holidays.

 “With the increase in rail traffic, the Connecticut Department of Transportation wants to remind the public to obey the law at rail crossings. People may not always remember that trains cannot stop quickly. In fact, it can take a mile for a train to come to a complete stop. Drivers should never attempt to drive under or around a closing or closed gate at a street-level rail crossing,” stated CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker.

 CTDOT has been engaged in a rail safety public awareness campaign through Connecticut Operation Lifesaver, the state chapter of Operation Lifesaver, a national nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities, and injuries at highway-rail crossings and trespassing on or near railroad tracks. 

Click here to read the full CTDOT press release.

 

Connecticut Department of Transportation Launches Enhanced HartfordLine.com Website for June 16 New Rail Service

Today, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) launched a full buildout of www.hartfordline.com, its website for upcoming CTrail Hartford Line passenger rail service. The fully loaded website provides future Hartford Line riders with information for service launch on June 16, 2018.

“Our enhanced Hartford Line website offers quick and easy navigation to trip planning, station information, schedules and fares. It also offers wide-ranging information about easy-to-reach destinations from the Hartford Line,” stated CTDOT’s Commissioner James Redeker.

The website features a trip planner for passengers to explore and review schedules and plan their travel. Hartford Line riders can look at options for daily commuting as well as special trips to games, concerts and other destinations.  Further, the site offers handy information for connections to Shore Line East and the New Haven Line operated by Metro-North Railroad to plan travel to New York City and other destinations.

HartfordLine.com easily adapts to a variety of devices including mobile phones and tablets.  It features Hartford Line news and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section that covers topics ranging from fares and ticket types as well as pets, bicycles and other useful details. 

Click here to read the full CTDOT press release.

Railroad Crossing Safety Campaign Begins

From the Connecticut Department of Transportation:

CTDOT PLACES ELECTRONIC SIGNS WITH RAIL SAFETY MESSAGES ALONG THE HARTFORD LINE CORRIDOR IN ADVANCE OF HARTFORD LINE RAIL SERVICE LAUNCH

Rail traffic between New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield will increase significantly even before the launch of the Hartford Line on June 16th

(NEWINGTON, CT) –The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced that it will place electronic signs which will display rail safety messages to drivers at street-level rail crossings along the Hartford Line corridor.

There will be a steady increase in rail traffic on the Hartford Line corridor throughout the month of June as the number of daily test trains will surge in preparation for the new Hartford Line service. The electronic signs will display messages that alert drivers to the increase in daily trains and remind them to obey traffic laws when navigating street-level rail crossings.

“With the increase in rail traffic, the Connecticut Department of Transportation wants to remind the public to obey the law at rail crossings. People may not always remember that trains cannot stop quickly. In fact, it can take a mile for a train to come to a complete stop. Drivers should never attempt to drive under or around a closing or closed gate at a street-level rail crossing,” stated CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker.

This initiative is part of CTDOT’s commitment to Operation Lifesaver – a national educational and awareness campaign around safety at railroad crossings.

Read the full CTDOT Press Release here.

Hartford Business Journal: Meriden, Wallingford hope commuter rail launch will bring economic boost

From the Hartford Business Journal:

For Wallingford and Meriden officials, the new Hartford Line, which the state announced last week would begin service June 16, is more than just a new transportation option.

They also hope the New Haven-to-Springfield train service will make their communities more attractive to investors and potential residents, sparking a surge of economic growth, especially in their downtowns.

In Meriden, the jury is already in. The mere prospect of the line gave the Silver City a shot of economic adrenaline, Economic Development Director Juliet Burdelski said this week. Without a single train having run, four development firms have approached the city about building 600 to 1,000 new housing units and 35,000 square feet of retail space within a half mile of the line's new downtown train station, she said.

"They've strongly suggested that one of the reasons they looked at Meriden initially is because of the planned train service," Burdelski said.

Wallingford Economic Development Specialist Tim Ryan said that his town is also hopeful that the line will bring significant economic benefit. The train will make the community's downtown and restaurants more accessible, while also potentially attracting new residents who want to live in town and commute to their jobs in New Haven, Hartford and elsewhere, he said.

Read the full article here.

Gov. Malloy Celebrates Grand Opening of the CTrail Hartford Line Station in Meriden

Governor Dannel P. Malloy, alongside Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner James P. Redeker and numerous federal and state officials, today held a ceremony to commemorate the grand opening of the new CTrail Hartford Line Meriden Station, located at 60 State Street. The station will provide service to existing Amtrak trains and future Hartford Line trains when the CTrail Hartford Line passenger rail service launches in June 2018. Importantly, it offers visitors more convenient access to the city’s new transit-oriented development (TOD) sites, located in direct proximity to the new station.

“My administration has been committed to improving transportation options for families and businesses,” Governor Malloy said. “This new station is a catalyst for transit-oriented development in Meriden, helping to make it a more livable, walkable community and drastically increasing transportation choices for commuters. The Hartford Line will allow Connecticut residents to look to transit rather than automobiles, resulting in less traffic on our overburdened highways, fewer emissions, and healthier communities.”

Construction of the station began in December 2014 and was completed in November 2017. It features several amenities aimed at improving the passenger experience for Hartford Line riders, including high-level platforms on both sides of the tracks, elevators, stairways, an overhead pedestrian bridge, canopies covering approximately 50 percent of each platform, ticket vending machines, and a passenger information display system. To improve passenger safety, the new station features automatic platform snow melting systems, security cameras, and blue light emergency call boxes.

The station includes a 65-space surface parking lot, and additional parking is available in a recently opened garage located at the intersection of Colony Street and Church Street that has approximately 225 spaces reserved for Hartford Line passengers and the general public on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, the station parking lot includes one electric vehicle charging station, with three more located in the parking garage. Each charging station allows two vehicles to charge at once.

“The robust and customer-centric station you see here today is an illustration of the years of commitment and collaboration between the department, its program management team and the City of Meriden,” CTDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker said. “The station is already driving economic development, and with the expected increase in rail ridership following launch, this station and others along the Hartford Line will serve Connecticut communities well for years to come.”

Read Governor Malloy’s full press release here.

 

CTrail Hartford Line Rail Service Scheduled to Launch June 16

All Aboard! CTDOT to Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new CTrail Hartford Line Meriden Station

On Thursday, April 19th, 2018, at 11:30 a.m., the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new CTrail Hartford Line station in Meriden!

The event is free and open to the public.

Click here to view the public invitation and to RSVP.

Hartford Courant: New Berlin Train Station to Open Soon

From the Hartford Courant:

The new Berlin train station, under construction since 2016, should open by early May, just before the start of service on the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield passenger line, a state official says.

“We are targeting a partial opening: end of April, beginning of May, “ said Kevin Nursick, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, which is building the Berlin station along with new stations in Meriden and Wallingford.

The Berlin station is the first stop south of Hartford on the new rail line that will connect the three cities and suburbs with regular passenger train service. Seventeen trains daily will make round trips between New Haven and Hartford, passing through Berlin.

The new station replaces the iconic century-old station that was closed in early 2016 for repairs and then burned beyond repair in a December 2016 fire. The cause of that blaze has not yet been made public.

Town officials see the new station as a catalyst for a village center in the blocks around the station. The town has been planning for several years to create a retail and residential center with the train as the hub.

 

Read the full article here.

Note: When the CTrail Hartford Line Berlin station partially opens in May, 172 out of the 220-space parking lot will be available. Once construction is fully complete in the fall, the remaining 48 spaces will open. In addition, southbound and northbound trains can run on both sides of the tracks. There is no dedicated side for southbound or northbound trains. Track direction will vary as conditions require. 

Hartford Courant: Commuter Rail Between Hartford and New Haven Begins in May - Are you Ready?

From the Hartford Courant:

With the launching of a commuter train between Hartford and New Haven just weeks away, David Donohue was both excited at the prospect of bypassing I-91 on his daily commute, and slightly incredulous it had taken this long for the state to link its capitals of government and higher education by rail.

Donohue’s is a tale of two cities: The 31-year-old works in Windsor Locks as an engineer for UTC Aerospace Systems but lives in New Haven, which he chose for its walking-friendly charm and a nightlife he felt was livelier than Hartford’s. He’s used to slogging up and down I-91. But come May, Donohue plans to catch one of the 17 round-trip trains running each day between Springfield and New Haven, when the state unveils its much-requested and, many say, long-overdue, Hartford Line.

On Tuesday night, a crowd pressed into a designer New Haven pizzeria to listen to transportation officials talk about trains. The group leaned young and bearded.

“For my group of friends — a bunch of guys all in our late 20s — public transit is something we’re definitely looking forward to,” said Andrew Wheeler, a resident of Hartford’s West End.

The Hartford Line will be operated by a new entity, CT Rail, and run along existing Amtrak-owned tracks between Springfield and New Haven. But rather than the six round trips Amtrak currently offers per day, the Hartford Line will make 17 daily round trips. A trip from New Haven to Hartford will take about 45 minutes with stops in Meriden, Berlin and Wallingford.

 

Read the full article here.

Record-Journal: CTrail ticket machines installed in Meriden, Wallingford train stations

From the Meriden Record-Journal:

Ticket vending machines have been installed at the Meriden, Wallingford, and Hartford train stations for CTrail service, which is scheduled to begin in May.

The machines will allow passengers to purchase tickets for the Hartford Line, which will have nine stops between New Haven and Springfield.

John Bernick, assistant rail administrator of the state Department of Transportation, said the machines will activate for the start of service, but will remain covered to avoid confusion until then.

He said passengers will also be able to use the machines to purchase tickets for continuing trips on Metro-North Railroad.

For now, the machines are the only way to purchase train tickets, although Bernick said they are working on other solutions. 

 

Read the full article, and visit our Facebook and Twitter for a sneak peek of the new ticket vending machines!

Hartford Line Train Testing

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is gearing up for May launch of the CTrail Hartford Line passenger rail service! Qualification runs began last weekened and will occur this weekend along the corridor.

Curbed: CTrail Hartford Line featured among major transportation projects

On January 18, 2018 home and real estate news website Curbed published a list of "9 U.S. transportation projects to watch in 2018". The CTrail Hartford Line was featured in this list! Standing alongside major projects in New York, Los Angeles, and others, new Hartford Line service is continuing to attract attention nationwide as new stations are opened for service, track construction nears completion, and scheduled service launch is just a few months away.

Stay tuned for more information, and view the full article here!

Winter 2018 Newsletter is now available!

The NHHS Rail Program is pleased to present the Winter 2018 Newsletter.

This edition features articles on new Hartford Line stations, track construction updates, the unveiling of the brand new Hartford Line website, and much more!

The newsletter is available in the Information Center library or by clicking here.

We hope you enjoy the latest edition!

HartfordLine.com Website Launched!

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has launched a new website for its upcoming passenger rail service, the CTrail Hartford Line, at www.hartfordline.com. The website provides future Hartford Line riders a taste of what to expect when the service launches in May 2018. 

“This initial Hartford Line website offers quick and easy access to essential information, such as schedules, fares, news and events. It will offer more comprehensive information, and be fully functional when the new rail service launches in May 2018,” stated CTDOT’s Public Transportation Bureau Chief, Richard Andreski.

The website features a “Trip Planner” tool that allows users to review schedules and plan travel once the Hartford Line service begins next year. At this time, the Trip Planner will serve as a tool for demonstration purposes only, and users will not be able to make reservations or purchase tickets until the Hartford Line service launches.   

The initial website operates on a variety of devices including mobile phones and tablets.  It features Hartford Line news and a Frequently Asked Questions section that covers topics ranging from connecting service options, senior discounts, and the permitting of bicycles on trains.  Additionally, the site allows users to request a CTDOT presentation about the upcoming Hartford Line rail service for their neighborhood group, workplace, or school.  

To read more about the Hartford Line website launch, click here.

Visit the new Hartford Line website here!

Meriden 2020: CT Main Street Center to Highlight TOD Opportunities Along Rail Line

From Meriden 2020:

 

Hartford Business Journal: Redeker to lead state's launch of new Hartford Rail Line

From the Hartford Business Journal:

 

Developers are jumping onboard a new rail line expanding service between New Haven and Springfield in May, which is an early measure of success for the new CTrail Hartford Line, according to Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker.

 

Transit-oriented development along the line that's occurred in places like Meriden is positive, said Redeker, point man for a department with a lot riding on the roughly $769 million rail project expected to begin rolling new trains between Mother's Day and Memorial Day.

 

"For me, that is the No. 1 goal of transportation — it's the economy — and if it's happening before we even open, I'll check that box already," Redeker said when asked what he'll consider successful first-year measures for the Hartford Line.

 

He expects more economic development will follow as people discover the high-speed train service and developers respond with housing and other projects near stations. Transit-oriented development is already occurring or planned in Wallingford, Windsor and Windsor Locks.

 

Read the full article here.

Hartford Line in the News! Media Coverage of 12/13 Springfield Event

From Western Mass News:

Hartford Line discussed at Springfield meeting

"SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - 

The Hartford line is expected to start running in May of next year, but preparations are well underway to make sure things run smoothly.

The meeting took place at the Springfield Central Library.

The project manager was in Springfield discussing the progress of how things are going in anticipation of the launch.

The service will be along the I-91 corridor going from New Haven to Springfield.

It will use the already existing tracks that Amtrak uses right now and make its final stop at Union Station."

 

Read the full article, and watch the news broadcast here.

Additional news coverage published by News 22 WWLP here.

CTrail Hartford Line Meriden Station Opens Platforms and Pedestrian Bridge

On Sunday, November 19^th, 2017, the new high-level platforms and overhead pedestrian bridge were put into service at the new CTrail Hartford Line Meriden Station, located at 60 State Street.

 

”Amtrak trains are now pulling up to the new platforms and the (pedestrian bridge) is open to customers,” said John Bernick, CTDOT assistant rail administrator. “Both platforms opened up to allow for the completion of the track work and the removal of the temporary platform.”

 

While the platforms and overhead pedestrian bridge are now in service, there is ongoing construction activity at the station, including removal of the temporary platform, completion of the automatic snowmelt system and final paving of the surface lot,as well as the removal of pavement and sidewalk along the former Brook Street railroad crossing and roadway, which was closed in 2016 to improve safety and accommodate the new 65-space surface lot.  

 

Construction is scheduled to be completed by mid-December.  

 

Please note that there is limited parking at the station due to construction. If there are no available spaces, rail passengers can park at the 24 Colony Street parking garage.

Hartford Business Journal: Expanded rail line aims to broaden talent pool for regional employers

From the Hartford Business Journal:

"The new $769 million CTrail Hartford Line launching service next May between Springfield and New Haven is expected to broaden workers' employment reach and give employers in the Hartford and Elm City regions the ability to draw from a larger workforce pool, officials familiar with the project say.

The intended effects include promoting economic development by expanding access to major employment centers, providing a catalyst for development near train stations, and fostering environmental benefits and a fast transportation alternative.

People who live between Hartford and Springfield who previously might have been deterred from work in New Haven or beyond due to traffic hassles, delays, stress and driving cost, may be inclined to consider a rail commute, officials say. Passengers arriving in New Haven can walk across the platform for Metro-North connections to Shore Line East, Stamford or New York City, or, in reverse, to trains headed to Hartford and Springfield.

"A huge benefit of the project is access to jobs," said John Bernick, assistant rail administrator at the Connecticut Department of Transportation, who called it a "game-changer for the I-91 corridor" in various ways."

 

Read the full article here.

 

Gov. Malloy Announces Opening of New Train Station in Wallingford That Will Serve the Hartford Line

On Monday, November 6, 2017, Governor Dannel P. Malloy joined Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner James P. Redeker and numerous federal, state, and local officials to celebrate the grand opening of the newly constructed train station in Wallingford.

“We are getting closer each day to launching a commuter rail line between New Haven, Hartford, and our friends in Springfield, and today’s opening of the new station in Wallingford marks a major milestone in the evolution of the much-needed service,” Governor Malloy said. “Creation of the Hartford Line will provide those working, living, and traveling along this corridor with fast, safe, and reliable rail transportation – providing greater attraction for businesses, stimulating job creation, and improving our overall quality of life.”

The new Wallingford station, which replaces an outdated station nearby, is the first of several new stations being constructed along the Hartford Line that has opened for service. Stations that will immediately begin serving the line when it opens next year are located in New Haven (Union Station and State Street), Wallingford, Meriden, Berlin, Hartford, Windsor, Windsor Locks and Springfield. Additional new stations are currently in the design process for locations in North Haven, Newington, West Hartford, and Enfield.

“This is an exciting project that will offer new transit options to commuters and open the whole region to expanded commerce,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “Modernizing our transportation network is critical, not simply because we have among the oldest rail infrastructure in the nation, but it also demonstrates our priorities as a state. Transit systems must move people and goods efficiently, reduce roadway congestion and pollution, and be part of the overall package that attracts business and a workforce. The CTrail Hartford Line will help us do exactly that.”

Read Governor Malloy's complete November 6, 2017 press release here.

 

All Aboard - CTDOT to Officially Open First New Hartford Line Station in Wallingford

On Monday, November 6, 2017, at 12:30 P.M., the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will officially open the new CTrail Hartford Line Wallingford Station to the public! Click here to view the public invitation.

Wallingford, CT, Service Moves to a New Location

Please take a moment to read this announcement from Amtrak regarding Wallingford Station.

CTrail Hartford Line News! Proposed Fares for Rail Service Announced

On Monday, October 23, 2017, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) released the proposed fares for the upcoming CTrail Hartford Line rail service and announced a 35-day comment period. The CTDOT is providing a variety of ways for the public to submit comments on the proposed fares and on the Hartford Line’s Service and Fare Equity (SAFE) Analysis.

While both CTrail Hartford Line and Amtrak trains will comprise the 17 roundtrips along this corridor, the SAFE Analysis and proposed fares do not apply to Amtrak service operating on this rail line. Federal Transit Administration guidelines mandate that proposed public transit fare changes (including fares for new service) be evaluated for equity and do not pose a disproportionate burden on low-income populations or a disparate impact on minority populations in the public transit service area.

The release of the proposed Hartford Line fares and the SAFE Analysis marks the beginning of a 35-day comment period, which will run from October 23 through November 27, 2017. Comments may be submitted via email to dot.hartfordlinecomments@ct.gov and via US Mail to Hartford Line Comments, Bureau of Public Transportation, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, P.O. Box 317546, Newington, CT 06131-7546.  

The SAFE analysis, service description, proposed fares, and related information can be reviewed on the CTDOT website at www.ct.gov/dot/hartfordlinecomments.

To read the complete CTDOT press release click here.

2017 Hartford-New Haven-Springfield Business Survey Published

Please take a few minutes to read the newly published 2017 Hartford – New Haven – Springfield Business Survey, which represents the views of more than 400 executives from companies across the region!

Since 2007, the New England Knowledge Corridor, the area’s primary driver for economic development and competitiveness, has partnered with CBIA to survey regional companies every two years about their priorities and challenges, including workforce development, transportation, international trade, and business costs.

Of significance, the survey reports that an overwhelming 90% of business leaders say expanding commuter rail service between Boston and Springfield will benefit their business, while 91% believe it will positively impact the region’s economy!

What benefits will your business get when the Hartford Line launches in May 2018?

To view the survey click here

Video: Construction at Batchelder Road in Windsor (September 2017)

In September 2017, construction crews rebuilt a railroad bridge over Batchelder Road in Windsor, Connecticut. The project replaced existing steel beams with a new closed deck precast concrete structure which allows trains to operate at over 80 miles per hour on the bridge. Height of the abutments was first increased to accommodate the new beams, as well as allow larger vehicles to pass under, such as buses and box trucks. This bridge will have two rail lines to increase passenger service from New Haven to Windsor and on to Springfield.

Visit the Media Gallery or click here to watch the new video.

Construction on Batchelder Road is expected to be completed by end of October 2017.

CTDOT Kicks-off Rail Safety Week with Lifesaving Tips for Connecticut Residents

Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Deputy Commissioner Anna M. Barry today was joined by Department of Motor Vehicle Commissioner Michael Bzdyra and Amtrak Police Captain Tracie McCain to kick off Rail Safety Week. The goal of Rail Safety Week is to increase public awareness about rail safety practices in order to reduce collisions between trains and motor vehicles or pedestrians.

Beginning September 24th and lasting through September 30th, CTDOT and its partners from Operation Lifesaver, Amtrak, local police departments, the Connecticut State Police, and other transportation industry partners will launch a public outreach campaign on rail safety.  The campaign will include site visits and events to ensure motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and rail travelers get this important safety message. Additional outreach will be conducted with schools along the Hartford Line to prepare students for upcoming CTrail service in 2018.

Read the official CTDOT September 25, 2017 press release here.

CTDOT Opens New Meriden Parking Garage for Rail Customers

On September 16, 2017, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that it has opened 225 parking spaces in a three-level garage located in downtown Meriden – an improvement that will make parking more convenient for CTrail Hartford Line Meriden station rail passengers and provide easy access to the City’s new transit-oriented development (TOD) sites.

CTDOT collaborated with the “24 Colony Street” Development Group and the Meriden Housing Authority on construction of the 96,275-square foot, $8.8 million garage, which began in 2015 and was completed this summer. The parking garage features three charging stations for electric vehicles, seven handicap-accessible spaces, and two elevators. The garage includes a video surveillance system and Blue Light emergency intercoms for customer safety. 

CTDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker said, “The opening of this parking garage demonstrates our commitment to providing Hartford Line passengers with superior customer amenities. We are always striving to improve the customer experience.”

In December 2016, the Development Group opened 48 dedicated spaces for residents of the “24 Colony Street” mixed-use development and the remaining 225 spaces are owned by CTDOT for Hartford Line customers.  The spaces are available to the public on a first come, first served basis. While the parking garage is now open to the public, a new 65-space, station surface parking lot also will be available for use when the station opens later this fall.   

The parking fees are $7 per day or $40 per month and parking is free on weekends and federal holidays. A discounted parking fee will be offered to Hartford Line customers when rail service begins in May 2018

The Hartford Line service provider, the joint venture of TransitAmerica Services and Alternate Concepts will be responsible for the management, security, and maintenance of the parking garage, along with the adjacent surface parking lot.

Transit-Oriented Development Activity

Municipalities with train stations along the Hartford Line corridor are engaged in economic development planning, specifically transit-oriented development (TOD), which includes a mix of housing, retail, office space, and entertainment within short walking distance of high-quality public transit.

Meriden’s new rail station has spurred several TOD projects, already, including the Meriden parking garage.  It has led to the construction of three mixed-use developments that have a total of 295 new residential units and 31,000 square feet of commercial space, a new Transit Center, a 14-acre town green, and the demolition of the Mills public housing project and the former Record Journal building. Ongoing public and private investment in Meriden’s TOD projects exceeds $150 million. One of these new developments, 24 Colony Street, was completed in December 2016 and is the first new construction in downtown Meriden in 30 years, just steps from the new Hartford Line train station.

“The new parking garage, combined with the city of Meriden’s TOD project, will make driving to and parking at the Hartford Line stations safer, more convenient and accessible, said Governor Dannel P. Malloy. It will also provide additional parking capacity to support the City’s growing downtown business and residential community. We are eager to see benefits from this dynamic investment for years to come.”

Over the past three years, the Malloy administration has awarded more than $12 million in grants to municipalities across the state to encourage the growth of TOD projects – including Berlin, Enfield, Hartford, Meriden, New Haven, Wallingford, West Hartford, Windsor and Windsor Locks, all of which are located along the Hartford Line.

Video: Track Construction Machine Installs New Track in Berlin (July 2017)

In July 2017, the NHHS Rail Program captured the state-of-the-art Track Construction Machine (TCM) in operation as it layed new track in Berlin, Connecticut. By utilizing innovative technology, video crews were able to provide the public with a “bird’s-eye” view of this mammoth, 250-ton machine, which can assemble up to 1,000 feet of track per hour in ideal conditions, totaling over one mile of track per day.

This summer the TCM layed ten miles of new track between Meriden and Newington. Later this fall, it will return to lay the final four miles of track between Hartford and Windsor. The TCM first appeared in Connecticut in October 2016 to lay nine miles of new track between North Haven and Meriden.  In total, the TCM will have installed approximately 23 miles of new track between North Haven and Windsor. 

TCMs have been used successfully around the world on some of the largest track construction projects over the last ten years, including in Italy, Northern Ireland, Brazil, India, and Saudi Arabia, among others. Only a handful of these machines exist in the United States.

Click here to watch the new video. 

To learn more about the Track Construction Machine, read the Program’s Fall 2016 newsletter here. You can also click here to view photos of the TCM in action or here to watch another informative video showcasing the TCM in action back in October 2016.

Pipe Installation Process at Creamer Brook (Windsor) *video

This video shows the installation process for the extension of an existing culvert that carries Creamery Brook in Windsor, Connecticut under the Amtrak rail line. The work occurred in July 2017 and was needed to support the addition of the second rail track through Windsor. This 150-year old culvert, located next to the Batchelder Road Bridge, carries water to the Loomis Chaffee School grounds pond that ultimately discharges into the Farmington River. The culvert was relined with new piping to ensure structural integrity and the liner continued to a new headwall, which was installed at the eastern end of the culvert to accommodate the second track. The relining was accomplished by inserting several sections of HDPE pipe that lock together. Concrete grout was then used to fill in the gap between the HDPE pipe and the existing culvert.

Visit the media gallery section here to watch other videos.

Gov. Malloy Announces TransitAmerica Services and Alternate Concepts Selected as Service Provider for the Hartford Line

On Monday, July 24, 2017, Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced that a joint venture of TransitAmerica Services and Alternate Concepts has been selected as the service provider that will operate and manage service on the CTrail Hartford Line – the passenger rail service currently under construction that will provide more frequent train service between New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield. The rail line is anticipated to launch in May 2018.

When service begins, the line will more than double the daily round trips currently offered in the corridor, providing more frequent, convenient, and faster rail service to those living, working, and traveling through central Connecticut. Since the start of his administration, Governor Malloy has been working to develop commuter rail service along the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield corridor, saying that a more active rail line in the region is crucial to making more livable communities, attracting businesses and job growth, and keeping the economy moving.

“We are getting closer each day to launching commuter rail service between New Haven, Hartford, and our friends in Springfield – a service that we’ve needed in the central Connecticut area for decades and will finally allow an option to move people, goods, and services with greater ease,” Governor Malloy said. “Creating the Hartford Line is just one part of our efforts toward building a best-in-class transportation system for Connecticut residents that drives growth, attracts businesses, and stimulates job creation, all while improving the overall quality of life for our residents. For the sake of our economy and our future, we cannot sit and let our infrastructure deteriorate – we are stepping up, moving forward, and getting this project done.”

The Hartford Line will act as a regional link with connections to existing rail services, including Metro-North, Shoreline East, and Amtrak Acela high-speed rail services on both the New Haven Line to New York and on the Northeast Corridor to New London and Boston. There will also be direct bus connections to the Bradley Airport Flyer and to CTfastrak.

Read Governor Malloy's complete press release here.

Did you know?

To ensure that the hundreds of plant and animal species living adjacent to the 62 mile NHHS rail corridor continue to thrive, the Program team studied the environmental impacts of the proposed infrastructure improvements. This resulted in the design and implementation of a number of environmental improvements. One example, is the utilization of biological treatment for invasive species. In these photos, Galerucella beetles were transplanted to the new Pigeon Hill Wetland Mitigation Site in Windsor to consume the invasive species Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria).  By reducing the prevalence of this plant, we allow for an increase in the biodiversity (variety of life) at the site.

 

Installation of New Concrete Sections – Route 150 Bridge (Wallingford) *video

Have you ever wondered how improvements are made to a 179-year old historic rail  bridge?

Look no further than our most recent construction video, which shows the installation of new concrete sections on the railroad bridge over Route 150 in Wallingford. The new sections provide greater separation between the two tracks, which is required for modern design and safety standards to implement higher speed train service.

Visit our new media gallery section here to watch the video.

 

Hartford Rail Alternatives Analysis Update

In October 2013, CTDOT initiated a Hartford Rail Alternatives Analysis (AA) for the future of the aging rail viaduct, which is an elevated structure adjacent to Hartford's historic Union Station that carries both freight and Amtrak passenger trains.

 

The AA consisted of two tasks. In Task 1, CTDOT developed and evaluated options to maintain or reconstruct the existing rail viaduct, as well as potentially relocate the rail line (track and station).  Task 2 included analysis of future CTrail Hartford Line stations in North Haven, Newington, West Hartford, Windsor, Windsor Locks and Enfield. This portion involved developing design concepts and cost estimates for these six new stations, which will be used to prioritize the order of final design and construction.

 

Task 1 was performed in collaboration with the I-84 Hartford Project, a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sponsored CTDOT project, which is addressing structural and operational deficiencies within the I-84 corridor between Flatbush Avenue and the I-91 interchange in Hartford. Options being considered for that planning effort include replacing or reconfiguring the highway and its interchanges within the corridor. To learn more and stay informed on the progression of the I-84 Hartford Project please visit  www.i84hartford.com.  Click here to read the Hartford Rail Alternatives Analysis Summary Report and here to read its associated FAQ’s.

 

Task 1 was completed in July 2015 with the findings and conclusions establishing the case for focusing on options that relocate the rail alignment north of I-84. These options are now being advanced as part of an integrated, transportation corridor approach led by the I-84 Hartford Project. CTDOT is finalizing Task 2, which is scheduled to be completed in spring 2017.

Federal and State Officials visit CTrail Hartford Line Meriden Station

On Friday, January 27, 2017, Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty and Senator Richard Blumenthal visited the new CTrail Hartford Line station in Meriden with Mayor Kevin Scarpati, CTDOT Deputy Commissioner Anna Barry and other local/state officials. The station is currently under construction with work scheduled to be completed later this year.

To learn more about construction at this station and others in Berlin and Wallingford click here to read the Program’s Stations Factsheet.

CTDOT ANNOUNCES $50 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR NHHS RAIL PROGRAM

Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner James P. Redeker announced on February 20, 2017, that the State Bond Commission had approved $50 million in additional funding for the New-Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) Rail Program during its February 1, 2017 meeting.

The funding will support the design and environmental permitting for new CTrail Hartford Line stations in North Haven, Newington, West Hartford, Windsor, Windsor Locks and Enfield as well as 7.5 miles of double track from Windsor to Enfield.  This funding will also support the construction of approximately 4 miles of double track between Hartford and Windsor, which is currently underway.

Commissioner Redeker stated, “The funding approved by the State Bond Commission reinforces our State’s continued commitment to providing new regional passenger rail service on the Hartford Line, which will become the newest component of a robust and vibrant multi-modal regional transportation system.”

Scheduled to launch in 2018, the CTrail Hartford Line will offer more frequent, convenient and faster passenger rail service between New Haven, Hartford and Springfield by increasing the number of round trip trains from six daily Amtrak intercity and regional trains to a total of 17 round trip trains a day to Hartford, and 12 trains per day to Springfield.  The majority of the existing rail stations will be replaced and several new stations will be built.  The expanded service and new stations are expected to increase ridership, improve the high speed and passenger rail system serving the northeast, expand intermodal transportation options, encourage economic development and create more livable and sustainable communities.

Read the official CTDOT February 20, 2017 press release here. 

CTDOT ANNOUCEMENT: BERLIN TRAIN STATION BUILDING FIRE

The December 21st fire at the historic Berlin train station building was most unfortunate. As a result of the extensive damage caused by the fire, the remaining walls of the 116-year-old building are no longer structurally stable and pose a safety risk therefore, the remainder of the building is currently being demolished.  Demolition crews will attempt to salvage items of historical significance, such as cast iron radiators, metal ends of the wooden benches and metal ceiling tiles.

Demolition debris from the building will remain on site until the salvage operation is complete and the material can be safely removed from the site. The future use of the building site will be determined in the coming weeks.
 
The heat from the fire caused minor damage to the new CTrail Hartford Line station, currently under construction to the north of the historic station.  This damage was limited to exterior metal panels and will be repaired accordingly as construction of the new station continues.  The portion of the new platform immediately adjacent to the historic station was in the early stages of construction at the time of the fire and also experienced some damage.

Amtrak trains continue to make stops at the Berlin station. Amtrak imposed a slow order (4 mph max) for trains operating through the station after the fire was extinguished.  Once the demolition work is completed, it is anticipated that the slow order will be lifted and train operations will return to normal.

No determination has been made regarding the cause of the fire, which falls under the jurisdiction of the local and State fire marshals.

CTDOT Initiates Rail Noise Mitigation Efforts

On October 24, 2016, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that Connecticut would become the first state in New England to install automated horn systems, commonly known as wayside horns, at various rail at-grade crossings. Installed as part of CTDOT’s noise mitigation efforts along the CTrail Hartford Line, the first horn became operational today (October 24, 2016) at the Cooper Street crossing in Meriden. 

CTDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker states, “As we gear up for service launch on the Hartford Line, we are eager to be at the forefront of wayside horn system installation in Connecticut and recognize the benefits it brings to communities along the line.”

A wayside horn system consists of stationary horns mounted on poles at active rail at-grade crossing.  The system is designed to provide a consistent audible warning to motorists and pedestrians upon the approach of a train to the at-grade crossing. Wayside horns take the place of train-mounted horns, which typically are activated up to ½ mile in advance of the crossing.  By focusing audible warnings toward the roadways approaching at-grade crossings, wayside horns reduce noise associated with railroad at-grade crossings.

The installation of wayside horns helps CTDOT satisfy one of the conditions of the 2012 Environmental Assessment prepared for the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Rail Program, which requires noise associated with the enhanced rail service to be mitigated near sensitive noise receptors, such as residential neighborhoods, educational institutions and recreational areas.

“The installation of wayside horns is consistent with CTDOT’s commitment to safety at grade crossings and fulfills our obligation to reduce noise associated with the Program, thereby improving quality of life for our neighbors along the corridor,” said John Bernick, CTDOT Assistant Rail Administrator. “We will look to install additional systems along the Hartford Line in specific areas to reduce train horn noise as we approach service launch.”

The CTrail Hartford Line will provide more frequent, convenient and faster passenger rail service between New Haven, Hartford and Springfield by increasing the number of round trip trains from six daily Amtrak intercity and regional trains to a total of 17 round trip trains a day to Hartford, and 12 trains per day to Springfield.  The majority of the existing rail stations will be replaced and several new stations will be built.  The expanded service and new stations are expected to increase ridership, improve the high speed and passenger rail system serving the northeast, expand intermodal transportation options, encourage economic development and create more livable and sustainable communities.


 

Hartford Line Features State-of-the-Art Construction Machine Operating in Wallingford

On October 11, 2016, Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner James P. Redeker today unveiled the mammoth Track Construction Machine (TCM) that is now being used to double-track portions of the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) passenger rail line, which is now being branded as the CTrail Hartford Line.  Building a second track parallel to the existing single track, which is currently used by Amtrak trains, will allow more frequent train service and more efficient train movements when the CTrail Hartford Line, which will allow frequent, commuter rail service between New Haven, Hartford and Springfield, begins operations in January 2018.

 

As part of the NHHS Rail Program, the 250-ton TCM is laying nearly nine miles of track between North Haven and Meriden. The effort will take approximately three weeks to complete and will safely and efficiently lay new track without interfering with the operation of train traffic on the adjacent existing mainline track.  The primary benefits of using a TCM over other methods of track construction are its production capability and the fact that it can lay track without disrupting train operations on adjacent tracks.  This marks the first time a TCM will be used to lay this significant length of track in Connecticut.

 

"We are excited to finally launch commuter rail service between New Haven, Hartford and our friends in Springfield, and state-of-the-art, 21st Century machinery like this is helping keep us on schedule so we can begin service as soon as possible," Governor Malloy said.  "A modernized transportation system brings so many benefits to an area.  High among them are the economic advantages that attract businesses and grows jobs, however for too many decades our state lacked the forward-thinking vision to make these improvements.  We are committed to building a best-in-class transportation system for Connecticut's residents, and the Hartford Line is one piece of this vision that will move us forward."

 

"Launch of the Hartford Line will provide an opportunity for Connecticut to join in a regional vision to a make rail a more convenient and faster option for travelers," Commissioner Redeker stated.  "Expanded rail service will strengthen transportation infrastructure in Connecticut and the region."

 

Read Governor Malloy's complete press release here.

 

View the Track Construction Machine in operation here.

 

Bond Commission Approves Money For Rail Improvements

On Friday, September 30th, the state Bond Commission approved tax obligation bond requests for $282.6 million in transportation projects, including $60 million for the double tracking of the Hartford rail line and $200 million to buy 60 rail cars for the New Haven line.

“We need to remain competitive when it comes to rail,’’ continued Malloy. “For too many decades we under invested in this area.’’

Read the complete article here.

 

Gov. Malloy Announces State Grants to Assist Sixteen Small Towns with Capital Improvement Projects

On Monday, September 26^th, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced that the Town of Berlin is one of 16 towns to receive funding under the latest round of the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), which assists smaller communities with infrastructure and capital improvement projects. The nearly $6 million in grants announced this past Monday are the second round of grants announced this year. An earlier round of STEAP 2016 grants was announced in February.

The Town will receive $500,000 for the revitalization of the Downtown Village Streetscape. The streetscape improvement project in the Main Street area of Kensington is the second phase of a project now in construction. The construction of streetscape improvements in this area will be an important element in the continuing effort to create a community center in the Berlin Train Station area. This project complements the institution of rail service in 2018, embraces the importance of walkability, and the creation of a more active business center. This grant follows several other Transit-Oriented Development grants awarded by the Office of Policy and Management for the same area of Berlin.

For more information, click here to read Governor Malloy’s September 26th press release.

High-level platform opened at Hartford’s Union Station

High-level platform opened at Hartford’s Union Station

Rail passengers in the capital city will now board trains from a newly constructed high-level platform at Union Station.

The first of five stations upgrades to be completed on the CTrail Hartford Line, the Hartford Union Station project cost approximately $3 million, took one year to construct and was completed on time.  In addition to Hartford Union Station, stations in New Haven (State Street), Wallingford, Meriden and Berlin will be constructed or upgraded between now and May 2017 to provide improved passenger facilities including high-level platforms. 

The new platform in Hartford is four feet high, about 260 feet long and was built just north of the station’s existing elevators.  Unique to Hartford Union Station is the incorporation of a fold-up edge along the platform.  While normally in the level or down position for passenger use, this feature allows the edge (outer 29 inches) of the platform to be folded up to allow freight trains carrying wide loads to pass through the station.  Other station improvements in Hartford include digital messaging signs, passenger information displays that indicate train arrivals, new benches, trash receptacles, security cameras and emergency phones have also been installed.

High-level platforms make it faster and easier for all passengers to board the train and are especially welcomed by those toting luggage, pushing baby strollers or using wheelchairs.  The new platforms comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for level boarding.

Expanded rail service will begin in January 2018 with the launching of the CTrail Hartford Line which will provide passenger rail service between New Haven and Springfield.

The CTrail Hartford Line service will provide more frequent, convenient and faster passenger rail service between New Haven, Hartford and Springfield by increasing the number of round-trip trains from six daily Amtrak intercity and regional trains to a total of 17 round-trip trains a day to Hartford, and 12 trains per day to Springfield. The expanded service and new stations are expected to increase ridership, improve travel times, expand intermodal transportation options, encourage economic development and create more livable and sustainable communities.

Wallingford adopts a Transit-Oriented Development Plan for new rail station area

Wallingford adopts a Transit-Oriented Development Plan for new rail station area

The Planning and Zoning Commission has adopted the Transit-Oriented Development Plan, outlining recommendations for developments and infrastructure updates around the new train station in advance of the January 2018 expanded rail service on the CTrail Hartford Line.

The plan recommends moving the existing commercial, industrial zone near the new train station north toward North Plains Highway and replacing it with medium- and high-density residential development as well as improvements in the station area that will encourage new residential and commercial development and better connect downtown to the new station.

Read the complete article online.

 

At Wallingford station, Malloy says rail upgrade on track for January 2018

WALLINGFORD — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy donned a hard hat and orange safety vest in 90-degree weather to tour the framework of the new train station Wednesday afternoon. Read complete story.

Malloy checks out progress on Wallingford’s new train station

WALLINGFORD >> The $569 million Hartford Line commuter rail project is still a work in progress, and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy ventured to to the intersection of North Cherry and Parker streets Wednesday afternoon to check out the progress of the town’s new train station. Read complete story.

Malloy: Hartford Line Trains Ready To Roll In 2018

WALLINGFORD — With construction crews operating heavy equipment behind him, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Wednesday afternoon said the Hartford Line commuter rail project is on course to open in a year and a half. Read complete story.

Sneak peek of Wallingford train station as work on Hartford commuter line continues

WALLINGFORD - The public got a sneak peak on Wednesday of the progress on a transportation plan that has been moving forward for years.  Read complete story.