Eastern CT Corridor Rail and Transit Feasibility Study
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is this study being conducted?
In the Spring of 2021, the CT General Assembly approved a bill requesting that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) conduct a feasibility study pertaining to extending Shoreline East (SLE) service.
What is Shore Line East?
CTrail Shore Line East is a commuter rail service operating between New London and New Haven, with connections to Metro-North's New Haven Line. CTrail Shore Line East trains operate seven days a week, including holidays. More information about SLE can be found here.
How is the study assessing the existing conditions of the Eastern CT corridor?
The existing conditions assessment portion of this study will establish the foundation for a detailed evaluation of the needs and opportunities for additional rail and transit service in Eastern CT, including an extension of rail service to Norwich, CT and to Westerly, RI, as determined in discussions between RIDOT/CTDOT.
The existing conditions assessment will incorporate the major components of the study area, including: 1) potential station areas (Stonington, Mystic, Groton, Groton Secondary, Groton Subbase, Norwich and intermediate locations) and potential turn areas; 2) the rail corridor to Norwich on either side of the Thames River; and 3) the rail corridor to Westerly, Rhode Island. This assessment will provide a high-level overview addressing the following primary topic areas: Existing Conditions, Corridor Capacity Analysis, Identification of Potential Sites (passing points, stations, yard/turnback facilities), Transit- Oriented Development (TOD) Assessment, Thames River Rail Corridor Review, and Preliminary Environmental Assessment.
How can I stay up to date on progress on the Eastern CT Rail and Transit Feasibility Study?
CTDOT conducted an initial round of public outreach for this study in December 2022, including two in-person meetings, a virtual public information meeting, and a public survey. A second round of public outreach is anticipated to occur in Fall 2023.
When will the study be completed?
The study is anticipated to be completed and delivered to the CT Legislature in Fall 2023.
What is the I-95 Eastern CT PEL Study?
The I-95 Eastern CT Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study is a separate study being conducted by CTDOT to reduce congestion and improve travel time along I-95 from Exit 53 in Branford to the Rhode Island state line. The I-95 corridor from Branford to Rhode Island has been studied for over two decades. In 2021, CTDOT decided to transition the previous studies to a PEL study.
While the study corridors for the Eastern CT Rail and Transit Feasibility Study and the I-95 Eastern CT PEL Study reflect similar geographies, they are separate, yet coordinated, studies. For more information or questions about the I-95 PEL study website please visit the study website or contact info@I95EasternCT.com
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