Connecticut has the ability to double its freight service capacity in central Connecticut if millions of dollars are spent repairing the system, but upgrading to passenger service is cost-prohibitive, a new study has concluded.
The state Department of Transportation (CTDOT) study estimates demand for freight usage will grow from 1,500 annual carloads to between 2,800 and 3,100 carloads once rail line repairs are made. The central freight corridor serves the cities of Waterbury, Bristol, and New Britain and nearby towns of Plainville, Berlin and Plymouth.
The existing rail line is defined as a single track running approximately 24 miles, with maximum speeds of 25 mph (Class 2), though some sections of track operate at only 10 mph (Class 1).
Total costs for upgrades range from $140 million for Class 2 rail, with speeds of up to 25 mph, and $170 million for Class 3 rail, with speeds of up to 40 mph. But adding passenger service to Class III rail could cost between $410 million and $530 million, the study found. Passenger rail also is not viable because of likely low ridership and difficulties in upgrading the Terryville Tunnel, the study states.
Some needed repairs include lining, surfacing and regulating the entire track, testing for defects, making grade crossing surface improvements and improving drainage.
CTDOT collaborated on the $1 million study with a team of consultants led by URS Corp. of Rocky Hill.
