CTDOT Is Developing Plans for Improvements to Track Sections on the Hartford Line

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is developing plans for the improvements to three track sections along the Amtrak Hartford Line, which spans from New Haven, CT, to Springfield, MA. The track sections are located in West Hartford/Hartford from Amtrak milepost (MP) 33.2 north of the Elmwood Busway Station (West Hartford) to MP 35.2 adjacent to the Parkville Busway Station(Hartford), Windsor/Windsor Locks from MP 46.2 north of Hayden Station Road overpass (Windsor) to MP 48.6 between the Bridge Street (Route 140) at-grade rail crossing and the new Train Station (Windsor Locks), Enfield segment of work is located from approximately at MP 52.9 north of the Enfield High School to MP 55.47 north of Bigelow Commons, adjacent to the cemetery. The Hartford Line Rail Program Phase 3B Double-track Project includes the installation of six interlockings and 6.2 miles of Double-track.

The primary purpose of the project is to increase safety and capacity for the Amtrak Hartford Line corridor by improving three single-track sections with the addition of second main line track parallel to the existing track, construction of new interlockings, installation of new signal components, and roadway and protection upgrades to four at-grade crossings, to support 18 additional trips between Hartford, CT and Springfield, MA and 10 additional trips between Hartford, CT and New Haven, CT.

Amtrak will manage all elements of the doubletrack project, including site work, grading, drainage, retaining walls, railbed, turnouts, track, signals and grade crossing installations required to support construction and operation of the new doubletrack. The Project is a continuation of recently completed construction for the Hartford Line Rail Program, formerly known as New Haven-Hartford-Springfield High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program. The Project will occur primarily on Amtrak property.

The present schedule indicates that final design plans for the West Hartford/Hartford section will be available in December 2025 and for the Windsor/Windsor Locks and Enfield sections will be available in March 2026. The project will be federal, and state funded.

It is CTDOT’s policy to keep the public informed when such projects are undertaken. It is important that the community share their concerns with CTDOT to assist in the project's development. If anyone has any questions or comments on this project, contact Mr. Richard Bertoli, Principal Engineer, at (860) 594-3263 or by e-mail at richard.bertoli@ct.gov. Please make reference to State Project No. 0320-0008.