The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced additional details about rail service changes on the Hartford Line (HL) to accommodate two projects that will improve safety and rider experience. Operations will continue throughout construction using train and bus services, ensuring riders can get where they need to go.
These service changes are being implemented to allow two necessary safety improvement projects to proceed as quickly and cost-effectively as possible while maintaining the safety of the construction crews. Limited morning and evening weekday trains will continue to operate, and most weekend trains will remain in service during the construction timeframe. Without the planned track outrages, the construction duration for these projects would likely extend an additional three months or more, potentially adding upwards of $2 million to the project costs.
The elevated single-track infrastructure at Hartford Union Station imposes safety and production challenges for the construction crews working on the platform canopy roof in Hartford. The roof replacement on the historic platform canopy in Hartford Union Station consists of improving the canopy roofing and lighting replacement over the passenger boarding platform.
Additionally, damaged gutters will be replaced to improve drainage and prevent flooding and standing water. A slope stabilization project in Longmeadow, Mass. involves track work to improve the ride quality and includes required maintenance on the communication and signal system for the HL. When these two projects are completed, riders will enjoy a safer, more efficient rail service and infrastructure. Amtrak is also utilizing this construction window to complete the slope stabilization to minimize future service disruptions.
As a result of these projects, substitute bus service will replace select Amtrak and CTrail Hartford Line train services effective Monday, July 18, 2022, through Friday, September 9, 2022. Additionally, the HL train service will be replaced by a substitute bus service on Friday, September 10, 2022, and Saturday, September 11, 2022, to complete the work on the canopy roof. Local buses will operate as a substitute for trains that will stop at all Hartford Line Stations, and passengers will be directed to the bus pick-up and drop-off location by signage on the platform. Express buses will make limited stops to offer quicker travel between Hartford and New Haven.
A detailed bus schedule is available here. Please note bus substituted train station time departures may be earlier than scheduled train time departures. Train fares will be in effect on the substitute buses. Passengers are required to purchase a CTrail or Amtrak ticket to board the substitute buses.
Passengers are encouraged to visit HartfordLine.com or Amtrak.com for the latest service information. Riders can also sign up for alerts sent directly to their phone or email at HartfordLine.com/service-alerts.
The requirement of wearing a mask on public transportation has been lifted and will no longer be enforced on Hartford Line and Shore Line East services and facilities in Connecticut. Per current CDC guidelines, wearing a mask is strongly encouraged. Customers who feel sick should not use public transportation.