Phased Development
The Hartford Line Rail Program has been structured into a series of phased improvements aimed at modernizing and expanding passenger rail service along the 62-mile corridor between New Haven, Connecticut and Springfield, Massachusetts. The initial phases focused on restoring double track capacity, upgrading and construction of new stations, and upgrading safety and signaling systems. These foundational efforts were supported by a combination of federal and state funding and included environmental assessments and permitting for the nine new or upgraded stations. The program’s early work laid the groundwork for increased service frequency and reliability, with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and its partners managing the complex coordination amongst infrastructure owners and operators.
Subsequent phases will build upon this foundation by targeting specific infrastructure and service enhancements. These include the development of new stations in North Haven, Newington, West Hartford, Windsor, Windsor Locks, and Enfield, as well as additional double tracking in Windsor Locks, Enfield, and West Hartford. These additions and improvements aim to enhance accessibility, multimodal connectivity, and passenger experience.
Station Design and Access Improvements
- New stations constructed in Berlin, Meriden, and Wallingford
- Stations in progress in Windsor Locks and Enfield
- New stations planned for North Haven, Newington, Windsor, Windsor Locks, and West Hartford
- Existing stations were upgraded with high-level platforms, improved accessibility features, and enhanced passenger amenities to support expanded service and multimodal connectivity
- Station area and access analysis includes evaluation of parking capacity, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and connectivity to local transit services
- Integration with overlapping services such as the Amtrak Vermonter, Shore Line East, and Metro North
Infrastructure and Equipment Upgrades
- Signal systems including Positive Train Control (PTC) have been installed to enhance safety and operational efficiency
- Grade crossings upgraded to improve safety and reduce delays
- Existing bridges and culverts repaired, rehabilitated, or replaced as needed to support increased service levels and meet modern engineering standards
- Double track has been and will continue to be installed, enabling bidirectional service and increased train frequency.
The future phases of the Hartford Line Rail Program represent a bold and comprehensive vision for regional rail in New England. They are designed not only to expand service and improve infrastructure but also to foster economic growth, environmental sustainability, and regional connectivity. With strategic planning, strong funding, and broad stakeholder engagement, the Hartford Line is poised to become a cornerstone of the Northeast’s transportation network.
Phases
Phase 1
The first phase of the Hartford Line Rail Program focused on restoring double track capacity between Meriden and Newington, a critical segment for improving service frequency and reliability. This phase was funded through a $40 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in 2009, matched by $83.1 million from CTDOT.
Key Work Completed:
- Double tracking between Meriden and Newington
- Signal upgrades and installation of fiber optic cables
- Initial environmental documentation and Right-of-Way coordination
Phase 2
Phase 2 expanded the scope to include station improvements and additional track upgrades south of Hartford. This phase received $120.9 million in federal funding and $202 million in state matching funds. It laid the groundwork for enhanced passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Key Work Completed:
- New stations constructed in Wallingford, Meriden, and Berlin
- Upgrades to Hartford Union Station
- Completion of double tracking from Wallingford to Meriden and West Hartford
- Wetland Mitigation Site Constructed in Windsor
- Upgrades to public grade crossings in Wallingford and Meriden
Phase 3A
Phase 3A of the Hartford Line Rail Program marked a pivotal step in expanding rail capacity and service reliability within the corridor. Funded with $30 million from the federal government and $90.3 million from the State of Connecticut, this phase focused on completing critical infrastructure upgrades in the Hartford area, including the addition of double track segments and modernization of interlockings and grade crossings. With Phase 3A now complete, the program has achieved 27 miles of double track across the corridor, significantly improving operational flexibility and enabling more frequent service.
Key Work Completed:
- Completion of double tracking from Hartford Yard to Windsor
- Continued modernization of interlockings to support improved train movements
- Additional upgrades to public and private grade crossings for safety and efficiency
Phase 3B
Phase 3B is currently in the design phase and represents a significant expansion of the Hartford Line’s double track infrastructure. This includes work from just north of Trout Brook in West Hartford to just south of Park Street in Hartford as well as in Windsor Locks and Enfield. This phase will introduce six miles of new double track, improve drainage systems, and upgrade signal infrastructure.
Key Work to be Completed:
- 6 miles of double track under design
- 2 public and 2 private grade crossings
- 6 new interlockings
- Signal upgrades and installation of fiber optic cables
Phase 4
Phase 4 has entered the construction phase and includes targeted infrastructure upgrades and station enhancements. This phase adds 0.75 miles of double track, one public grade crossing, and two interlockings. It also encompasses the relocation and expansion of Windsor and Windsor Locks stations, along with the development of four new stations: North Haven, Newington, West Hartford, and Enfield.
Key Work to be Completed:
- New stations: North Haven, Newington, West Hartford, and Enfield
- Relocated stations: Windsor and Windsor Locks
- 1 public grade crossing and 2 new interlockings
