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DOT reports ridership gains, new railcars and station projects; Shoreline East constrained by Amtrak and movable‑bridge limits
Summary
DOT officials told lawmakers the Hartford Line and some branch services have recovered or exceeded pre‑pandemic ridership, new M8 cars are in service and station projects (Windsor Locks, Enfield) and double‑tracking are advancing; DOT said Shoreline East expansion is limited by Amtrak slotting and a movable‑bridge constraint east of New London.
At the Feb. 3 oversight hearing the Connecticut Department of Transportation told lawmakers that rail ridership is recovering and in some corridors exceeding 2019 levels, and outlined several rolling stock and station investments.
“Waterbury branch and the Hartford line continue to surpass those pre pandemic ridership numbers,” Ben Limmer, bureau chief of public transportation, said, and DOT added that new service and rolling‑stock investments should increase 2025 ridership further.
Highlights the agency reported to lawmakers:
- Rolling stock and motive power: All M8 railcars procured for Metro‑North are delivered and in service; DOT ordered additional cars for the Hartford line and dual‑power locomotives that can operate on diesel and catenary power.
- Station projects: Windsor Locks station is under construction and expected to open in 2025; Enfield station is in design; Waterbury branch stations are being upgraded for ADA accessibility and a new Naugatuck station is planned in coordination with nearby housing development.
- Core rail programs: The Walk Bridge program is underway; DOT described interim repairs for movable bridges (Devon Bridge) and a sequencing plan for replacing movable bridges on the Northeast Corridor.
- Double tracking on the Hartford line: DOT said it has funding and expects to advance the next phase (phase 3b) toward construction this year, subject to federal contract processing and Amtrak coordination.
- Shoreline East constraints: DOT explained Shoreline East service east of New London faces two limits — Amtrak prioritization of Acela and Northeast Regional trains for slotting on the two‑track corridor and a movable‑rail bridge (Connecticut River bridge) that imposes operational constraints and requires Coast Guard and other permits to reduce openings. DOT said Amtrak owns some Shoreline East infrastructure (e.g., New London track) and that Amtrak’s capital projects affect available slots; bids to operate service and maintain equipment have been received and are under review with a vendor selection goal in spring/early summer 2025.
Why it matters: The combination of new railcars, funded double‑tracking and station investments can increase frequency and reliability on the Hartford line and branches, improving transit options in place of highway travel. Shoreline East’s eastward expansion remains contingent on Amtrak coordination and permit outcomes.
Outlook: DOT expects some construction phases (e.g., Hartford line double‑tracking phase 3b) to move into construction in 2025 if federal processing proceeds and Amtrak can provide needed support for safe work on the corridor.
