ConnDOT taps consulting team to plan for rail system’s future

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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Connecticut Department of Transportation

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) has selected its consulting team as it begins to plan for the future of the New Haven Line, as well as the state's rail system.

The team will be composed of experts from three firms – AECOM, Parsons Brinckerhoff and STV – and will initially be tasked with developing a strategy to improve capacity, frequency and speed of rail service on the New Haven Line. ConnDOT says developing the investment program to significantly improve the performance of the rail system is a key element of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s “Let’s Go CT” 30-year, $100-billion transportation vision.

The study is being funded in part by $3 million from Gov. Malloy’s “Let’s Go CT” ramp-up program and will inform future capital investment decisions such as the configuration of new rail stations, rail yard improvements, interlockings and procurement of additional rail cars and locomotives.

This rail plan, informally known as the “2+2” Plan, calls for running local trains on two outer tracks and express trains on the two inner tracks. The study will develop service and infrastructure investment strategies to achieve key performance targets for the rail system and evaluate the optimal strategy for creating direct service to New York Penn Station, as well as to Grand Central Terminal.

“This critically important initiative marks the beginning of a new era in the state’s rail system, moving us from the traditional commuter business model to a dynamic, interconnected transit network. Customers and business leaders are demanding these new services, which will unleash the true economic potential of Connecticut’s communities,” said Commissioner of ConnDOT James Redeker.

The initial phase of the study will look at various concepts and alternatives for future train service and potential investment needs. The first phase including recommendations on the future rail car and locomotive purchases will be completed next year. It will then be up to ConnDOT, the general assembly and the governor to act on any recommendations.

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