Connecticut State Council on Environmental Quality

New Haven- Hartford-Springfield Rail Improvements

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

Municipalities where proposed project might be located: The proposed improvements are along the existing 62 mile rail corridor starting at Union Station in New Haven, Connecticut, traveling northward through Hartford, and continuing to Union Station in Springfield, Massachussetts.  It traverses the municipalities of New Haven, North Haven, Hamden, Wallingford, Meriden, Berlin, Newington, West Hartford, Hartford, Windsor, Windsor Locks, Enfield, Longmeadow and Springfield, Massachusetts.

Project Description: The New Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) Rail Project will provide significant new regional passenger rail service options as a key component of a robust and vibrant multi-modal regional transportation system. With funding from both the new High-Speed Intercity Rail Program created by President Barack Obama in 2008, and the State of Connecticut, the NHHS Rail Project will provide the infrastructure and trains to operate some of the nation’s best passenger rail services. As the gateway to New England, the NHHS Rail Project will also facilitate improved service to Massachusetts, Vermont and eventually Montreal. New train service will connect communities, generate sustainable economic growth, help build energy independence, and provide links to travel corridors and markets within and beyond the region.

The following infrastructure improvements to the existing rail corridor will be built to accommodate projected 2030 service: 

  • Re-installation of 38.7 miles of double track which was previously removed by AMTRAK in 1989.
  • 5.8 miles of new passing sidings and rehabilitation of two existing sidings
  • 9 new interlockings (so trains can change tracks)  
  • signaling and control systems, including Positive Train Control 
  • Repair, rehabilitation and replacement of bridges and culverts  
  • Improvements at 38 at-grade crossing  
  • High-level platforms, pedestrian overpasses, parking, and other amenities at: 
    - Wallingford
    - Meriden
    - Berlin
    - Windsor 
    - Windsor Locks
  • Future new stations at North Haven, Newington, West Hartford and Enfield, and a new platform at New Haven State Street station
  • Layover and maintenance facility near Springfield, MA station

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

Additional Project Information: Click here to be directed to the project website.

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on:  October 20, 2011

Any person can ask the sponsoring agency to hold a Public Scoping Meeting by sending such a request to the address below.  If a meeting is requested by 25 or more individuals, or by an association that represents 25 or more members, the sponsoring agency shall schedule a Public Scoping Meeting.  Such requests must be made by September 30, 2011.

Written comments and/or requests for a Public Scoping Meeting should be sent to:

Name: Mr. Mark W. Alexander - Transportation Assistant Planning Director
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06131
Fax: 860-594-3028
E-Mail: Mark.W.Alexander@ct.gov

If you have questions about the public meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:

Name: Mr. Stephen V. Delpapa - Transportation Supervising Planner
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06131
Phone: 860-594-2941
Fax: 860-594-3028
E-Mail: Stephen.Delpapa@ct.gov

The agency expects to release an Environmental Impact Evaluation for this project, for public review and comment by the end of 2011