OLD LYME — On Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m., Amtrak is hosting a Public Informational Session via Zoom to discuss the Connecticut River Bridge Replacement Project.
The purpose of this meeting is to re-introduce the Connecticut River Bridge Replacement Project, highlight the environmental aspects of the project, and solicit community feedback.
To join the virtual meeting, click here.
If you are unable to join via Zoom, you may also join by phone at (646) 931-3860 using Webinar ID: 822 6042 2411 and Password: 508462.
The Connecticut River Bridge, first built in 1907, is located on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between the towns of Old Saybrook and Old Lyme and is used by Amtrak, CTRail’s Shore Line East, and freight trains.
The project will involve building a two-track, electrified, and resilient movable bridge structure equipped with new track, signal, catenary, power, communication, controls and security features.
The new bridge will improve the bridge’s functionality and serviceability to a useful life of 150 years, a far greater period than the current bridge’s 100-year useful life.The bridge replacement will allow for better reliability and decreased delays for travelers due to trains traveling on more modern infrastructure.
Amtrak hired a 3rd Party Consultant to design the new bridge and is in the process of hiring a construction management firm to assist with the construction phase of the project. The design is currently at 90 percent design level and working toward a 100 percent design to be submitted in the near future. An Environmental Assessment (EA) and Preliminary Design has been completed to date with a NEPA Reevaluation currently being performed.
Amtrak is also in the process of coordinating with both state and federal agencies to obtain several environmental permits needed for the project based on both temporary and permeant disturbances anticipated during construction.
The comment period is open through March 15. Comments can be submitted via e-mail to [email protected], by phone to (844) 891-7879 or by USPS mail to:
Office of Community Engagement c/o Danielle Hunter
Amtrak (Re: Conn River Bridge)
2955 Market St., 3N-153
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Visit this link for more information about Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor project.
Visit this link to view the brochure produced by Amtrak about the bridge replacement project.
Editor’s Notes: This article is based on information posted on the Amtrak website at this link.
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