1. Notice of Scoping for the  New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Improvements

Municipalities where proposed project might be located: New Haven, North Haven, Wallingford, Meriden, Berlin, Newington, Hartford, Windsor, Windsor Locks, Enfield, Longmeadow, MA, and Springfield, MA.

Project Description: The proposed improvements include a Start Up Service as proposed in the Final Report of the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Implementation Study, June 2005 and a Full Build Alternative.  The Start-up Service would include the following:

• Service would operate bi-directionally, Monday through Friday on a 30 minute peak hour schedule (at least 14 one-way trips).

• Service would be between New Haven and Springfield.

• A minimum of 18 miles of extended double track sections will be added to improve reliability and provide 30 minute headways meeting critical times in New Haven, Hartford and Springfield.

• Service would supplement existing Amtrak service on the corridor. Adjustments to Amtrak’s schedule would be attempted when possible in conjunction with operating agreements with Amtrak.

• Along with the existing nine passenger stations being served along this corridor, four additional stations would be added at North Haven, Newington, Hartford (Flatbush Avenue), and Enfield.

• The existing Windsor Locks station would be enhanced to provide facilities to accommodate a waiting area and transfers between the train and the shuttle bus to Bradley Airport.

• Local bus service will be modified to provide appropriate service to the stations.

• All stations would have high level platforms and grade-separated pedestrian facilities, considered to be necessary from an operational standpoint.

All stations would include high-level platforms, pedestrian amenities with grade separated crossings, bicycle storage and racks, and any additional parking required to accommodate projected ridership.

The Full Build Alternative would include:

• Double-track the remaining 20.6 miles of single track sections to improve reliability and allow service at least as frequent as every 15 minutes.

• Construct second high-level platforms and grade-separated pedestrian facilities at Wallingford , Berlin and Windsor Locks Stations. It is of note that these stations were on single-track segments in the start-up service and therefore only one platform and no grade-separated pedestrian facilities were necessary. With the additional double-tracking of the entire line, these elements would be necessary.

• Construct an additional station in the Wharton Brook area on the former Pratt and Whitney property as development takes place.

• Provide new commuter rail parking in the new Meriden parking structure to be constructed with downtown development plans in Meriden.

Project Map:  Click here to view a map of the project area.

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on:Thursday, January 15, 2009.