The state and Amtrak have reached an agreement to complete the Hartford rail line, receiving guaranteed agreements for cost ceilings and a clear timetable for work completion. The State Bond Commission next week will vote to approve $155 million in funding to complete construction of the future Hartford Line, a final installment to upgrade the line and launch expanded rail service between New Haven and Hartford.
This action brings the total funding for programs in this corridor to $643 million – $208 million of federal funds and $435 million of state funds. The cost for the upgrade of the Hartford Line is $570 million.
The completed Hartford Line will triple the number of trains between New Haven and Hartford and double the service between Hartford and Springfield. Four station projects are in construction and due to be completed prior to the launch of service, while critical fiber optic signal cable and communication nodes are installed along the corridor to power a brand new signal system.
An additional $73 million is being spent on related corridor investments, including adding a platform at the State Street station, renovations at the Berlin station, continuing the design of five new stations along the corridor, and studying the realignment of the line in Hartford as part of the overall I-84 viaduct alternatives.
Current program estimates indicate that construction on the future Hartford Line
