USDOT: $83 Million for New England

The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $82.7 million in grants to improve Amtrak services in Rhode Island, Maine, Connecticut and Vermont. The funds will provide upgrades to the Northeast Corridor, Connecticut’s New Haven-Springfield line, Maine’s Downeaster service and the Vermonter service:

Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT): $26.2 million for design and construction of an electrified third main track parallel to the Northeast Corridor main line, and a new platform for the station in Kingston, R.I. The third track will permit faster trains to overtake slower trains, reducing congestion and improving ontime performance on the NEC for Amtrak and commuter trains. Throughout the NEC from Washington, D.C to Boston, $1.75 billion is being invested to improve service. Additionally, RIDOT is receiving $3 million for preliminary engineering and environmental reviews for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant platforms at the Providence station on the NEC. The project also includes improved parking and pedestrian access, station repairs, potential reconfiguration of transit circulation and drop-off facilities, and future tunnel improvements.

Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA): $20.8 million to alleviate congestion and reduce delays on segments of Amtrak’s Boston-Portland, Me., Downeaster service. The project will provide critically needed double track, as well as signal and highway-rail grade crossing improvements between Wilmington and Ballardville, Mass. Aging rail will be replaced with new CWR between Lawrence and Bradford, Mass. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates commuter trains on this line, and ontime performance for the Downeaster has deteriorated due to bottlenecks within this area. The Downeaster is expanding to Brunswick, Me., thanks to previous federal grants totaling $38 million.

Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT): $30 million for six miles of new double track from Hartford to Windsor, Conn., that will connect with an existing siding to create a nine-mile double-track segment on Amtrak’s New Haven-Springfield line. In addition, a new 8,500-foot siding will be added through the Hartford Yard to better clear freight trains off Amtrak’s main line. Together, this added capacity will substantially relieve existing congestion in the Hartford area and will support future increases in rail service. The project also includes repairs and maintenance to bridges, signal improvements, and grade crossing improvements. Connecticut previously received $40 million for double-track work between New Haven and Hartford to reduce delays and improve travel time.

Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans): $2.7 million for a 16-mile extension of improved signal and train control technology to enhance the safety and operation of the Amtrak’s Vermonter service. Additionally, upgrades to the dispatch communication system will be made to enhance its reliability. VTrans previously received $50 million for improvements to the 190 miles of track between St. Albans and Vernon, Vt., servicing the Vermonter. The collective improvements will result in increased speeds, reduced travel time, and greater reliability.