Governor Rell: $26M for Double-Tracking on

New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Line

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that $26 million for design, environmental documentation and construction of double-tracking along portions of the rail line connecting New Haven, Hartford and Springfield, Massachusetts will be on the agenda when the state Bond Commission meets January 8, 2010.

            The work is needed to upgrade sections of the existing 62-mile line, which is owned and operated by Amtrak and currently carries both Amtrak passenger trains and freight trains. Added double-tracking will enable a New Haven-Hartford-Springfield, or “NHHS” route, to carry more traffic more efficiently. Operators would not be forced to schedule trains headed in opposite directions to run at different times or weave in and out of passing sidings.

            This project was originally on the agenda for the October 2009 Bond Commission meeting but was withdrawn for further study at the request of a Democratic legislator.

            “This is a crucial step forward for one of the most important transportation improvements we have made in decades,” Governor Rell said. “Along with the new M-8 passenger cars coming to Metro-North’s New Haven Line and the highway upgrades we have made across Connecticut, this project will truly transform public transit in our state.

            “Getting an ‘NHHS’ line up and running will take a tremendous load off crowded Interstate 91 and bring new visitors, new business and new development to the entire corridor,” the Governor said. “This ‘trunk’ will have branches that connect to Bradley International Airport, Metro-North, Amtrak and Shore Line East – making it easier, faster and more efficient to get anywhere in our great state.”

            Current plans for NHHS line call for bidirectional service between New Haven and Springfield running Monday through Friday on a 30-minute peak period schedule. The proposal would add several new stations and enhance the Windsor Locks station with a bus connection to Bradley International Airport. Local bus service elsewhere would be reconfigured to connect with passenger stations.

            Future enhancements would include additional double-tracking to improve reliability.