CT getting $11.6 million to expand Hartford rail line
The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded Connecticut approximately $11.6 million to expand service on the CTrail Hartford Line, Gov. Ned Lamont announced Monday.
The funding comes from President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the Connecticut Department of Transportation to extend and expand service on the line and improve services along the corridor. The federal grant will be matched by approximately $13.4 million in state funds from CTDOT, according to a release from Lamont’s office.
The $25 million project will “increase service and reliability across the entire Hartford Line,” including the rail stations in New Haven, Hartford, Windsor Locks, and Springfield, Massachusetts, the release said.
The CTrail Hartford Line Expanded Enhancement Project will:
Add one weekday round trip from New Haven to Hartford, addressing a midday service gap of up to three hours.
Increase customer service hours at Hartford Union Station by 75%.
Extend the weekend 6456, 6457, 6458, and 6459 trains to Windsor Locks station.
Extend the weekday 4401 train from Windsor Locks to Springfield.
Continue previous 2020 funding for the addition of two weekdays trains between New Haven and Springfield.
Enhance connectivity of the existing rail service along the Northeast Corridor.
“The Hartford Line is not only providing a valuable and convenient public transit resource for people who live in central Connecticut, but it is also helping create new opportunities for economic growth and development in the towns it serves,” Lamont said. “Expanding service on this line will further make travel on this rail line even more convenient, and I appreciate President Biden and the FRA for partnering with our state to make this happen.”
Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said, “This continued and increased investment from the FRA ensures the Hartford Line and Hartford Union Station will continue to grow and provide reliable service for years to come and provide even greater connectivity to Bradley International Airport. I would like to thank the FRA, Governor Lamont, and our state and federal partners for supporting rail investments that improve quality of life in our state.”
The CTrail Hartford Line, begun in 2018, is credited with spurring economic development and investments throughout the corridor. More than 750,000 passenger trips were projected for 2024.
“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this $11.6 million federal investment in the Hartford Line will help cut down on travel times and pump billions of dollars into Connecticut’s economy, all while creating good-paying union jobs and reducing our carbon footprint,” U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy said. “This is a big win for Connecticut commuters and for communities along the Hartford Line who will enjoy the benefits of more convenient, reliable transportation and sustained economic growth for years to come.”
The Expanded Enhancement Project is expected to increase ridership by about 90,000 rides by 2030, according to Lamont’s office, saving an estimated 3.5 million gallons of fuel annually, and over 25,000 metric tons of reduced carbon emissions per year.
For more information on the Hartford Line, visit HartfordLine.com.