Objectives & Scope

Infrastructure Upgrades

Reliability is the key to a successful passenger rail service. To accommodate the significant increase in service and to provide the safest, most reliable service, the rail corridor, owned by Amtrak, must be substantially rebuilt: at-grade crossings must be improved or re-designed; stations must have high-level platforms on both sides of the tracks and an overpass connecting them; and bridges, drainage, and the signal system all must be upgraded.  This work must be constructed in stages over several years.

The following infrastructure improvements were built as part of the currently funded improvements: 

Track (New Haven – Windsor)

• 27 miles of additional double track on existing single track sections
• 2 miles of new passing sidings
• 5 new interlockings (so trains can change tracks)
• Signaling and control systems (including Positive Train Control by Amtrak) 
• Repair, rehabilitation and replacement of bridges and culverts

Crossings

• Improvements at various at-grade crossings in North Haven, Wallingford, Meriden, Berlin, West Hartford, Hartford and Windsor

Stations

• High-level platforms, pedestrian overpasses, parking, and other amenities at: 
  - Wallingford
  - Meriden
  - Berlin
• Hartford (high-level platform only)
• State Street Station (high-level platform, elevators, stair tower and pedestrian overpass bridge).

Equipment

• Upgraded diesel locomotive fleet for the Hartford Line service.