Connecticut has received a commitment of $40 million in federal stimulus funding to add double tracking to part of the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail line – the first step toward providing high-speed commuter rail service in the corridor.
The award, to be annonced in Philadelphia today, is part of $8 billion in federal funds designatd for high speed rail under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The double-tracking work will be done on a 10-mile stretch of rail line between New Britain and Newington. The state Bond Commission approved spending $26 million as Connecticut’s share of the project.
Ultimately the state plans to establish regular service between New Haven and Springfield running Monday through Friday at 30-minute intervals during peak periods, with bus service from the Windor Locks station to Bradley International Airport.