Amtrak breaks ground on $1.3bn Connecticut River Bridge
US national rail company Amtrak has broken ground on a $1.3bn project constructing a new Connecticut River Bridge on the Northeast Corridor (NEC).
US national rail company Amtrak has broken ground on a $1.3bn project constructing a new Connecticut River Bridge on the Northeast Corridor (NEC).
The bridge is being built by a joint venture from O&G Industries and Tutor Perini and will replace the current bridge across the river which was built in 1907 and has become prone to difficulties opening for maritime traffic.
Amtrak’s new bridge is expected to finish construction in 2031 and will allow trains to run 55% faster across the river, 70mph compared to 45mph, thus improving efficiency and safety.
Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said: “When completed, this modern bridge will improve the customer experience by eliminating delays, providing faster journeys and modernising another critical infrastructure asset in Connecticut that benefits the entire NEC.”
We were thrilled to break ground on the new Connecticut River Bridge alongside so many strong federal, state and local partners! This modern bridge will improve the customer experience by eliminating delays, providing faster journeys and modernizing a critical NEC asset. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/iUewGsIiRP
— Amtrak (@Amtrak) September 6, 2024
Trains will continue to run along the existing bridge while its replacement is built, with Amtrak itself operating more than 50 daily services across the river alongside CTrail Shore Line East commuter services and freight trains.
