This page provides an overview of the many active rail infrastructure projects underway in the Pioneer Valley region of western Massachusetts.
Contents
West–East Rail Related Projects
Palmer Train Station
Springfield Track Reconfiguration Project
West Springfield – Front and First Street Grade Crossing Elimination Project
Worcester–Springfield Track Work
Springfield Projects
Amtrak Interlocking Renewal
Riverfront Park Access
Connecticut River Main Line/Knowledge Corridor Projects
Connecticut River Main Line Bridge 7.09 Rehabilitation
Knowledge Corridor Positive Train Control
Other projects
East Deerfield Yard Intermodal Project
Connecticut Projects of Note
Enfield Station
Windsor Locks Railroad Station & Track Improvements
Hartford Line | New coaches and cab cars
Hartford Line: Phase 3B Double-Track
Connecticut River Crossing Improvement Project
Please keep in mind that this is not an an all-inclusive list of projects. There are many other smaller projects underway at any given time, as example — vegetation control, culvert maintenance and replacement, bridge maintenance, signal system maintenance, railroad crossing maintenance, and others.
Glossary
ADA | Americans with Disabilities Act
CRISI | Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program, which is administered by the Federal Railroad Administration.
CSX | CSX Transportation, known colloquially as simply CSX, is a Class I freight railroad. In Massachusetts CSX owns, operates and dispatches the east-west rail line between Worcester and the New York state line.
CTDOT | Connecticut Department of Transportation
FRA | Federal Railroad Administration
MassDOT | Massachusetts Department of Transportation
TOD | Transit Oriented Development
USDOT | United States Department of Transportation
West-East Rail Projects
Worcester–Springfield Track Work project
Design | Summer of 2024 – 2027 | In Progress
Construction | Spring 2027 – Fall 2029
MassDOT has been awarded $108 million in funding from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for corridor infrastructure projects between Worcester and Springfield as part of the “Connecting the Commonwealth: Early Actions for the Inland Route Project” grant application.
The planned project would include the following major elements:
- Infrastructure improvements (as detailed in the diagram below) that will result in increased train speeds and additional corridor capacity along the 53-mile section of the CSX Boston & Albany Line between Worcester and Springfield.
- The extension of existing passing siding capacity and other track improvements will increase the Maximum Authorized Speed for passenger trains to 80 mph (where track geometry allows) and minimize train delays along the 44-mile single-track segment.
- Increased operational efficiency and flexibility by reducing passenger and freight train conflicts and reducing travel times along the remaining single-track segments on the CSX-owned segment between Worcester and Springfield.
Milestones
December 2022 | A grant application for this proposed project was submitted under the FRA’s FY2022 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program.
September 22, 2023 | MassDOT was awarded $108 million in funding for the project from the FRA’s FY2022 CRISI grant program. (Press Release, Office of Governor Maura Healey)
January 15, 2025 | The FRA obligated $108,085,280 of federal funding for the project. (USASpending.gov)
Palmer Train Station project
South of the Palmer Rail Yard | January 2025
Project Development and Conceptual Design
July 2023 — 2025 | In Progress
Milestones
2017 | As part of early planning for a proposed new train station, the town commissioned the Palmer Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Draft Conceptual Downtown Plan. This study, prepared by Fuss & O’Neill, looked at factors that would impact TOD in downtown Depot Village. (Palmer TOD Draft Conceptual Downtown Plan presentation)
June 1, 2019 | The UMass Amherst Center for Economic Development released a report that examined the feasibility of the Town of Palmer becoming a passenger stop on a proposed East-West rail line. The report can be found on this link — Towards a Passenger Station on the East-West Massachusetts Train Line: The Case for Palmer (PDF)
January 2021 | The Massachusetts Department of Transportation completed its East-West Rail Passenger Rail Study. All of the proposed final alternatives included a station stop in Palmer.
March 1, 2023 | Governor Maura Healey’s fiscal year 2024 budget proposal included a line item which would provide $4 million for the study and design of a new station in Palmer. (Governor’s Budget Proposal)
July 19, 2023 | The MassDOT Board of Director’s approved the FY2024–FY2028 Capital Investment Plan, which included $4 million for the study and design of a new station in Palmer.
January 17, 2024 | MassDOT announced that a consultant has been selected to progress planning and design work for the new station in Palmer. The consultant’s work will include public outreach, site selection, identification of station amenities and access, conceptual design, and environmental scoping. (Rail and Transit Report, MassDOT Board of Directors Meeting)
December 16, 2024 | MassDOT hosted a public information meeting for the Palmer Station Planning and Design Project. During the meeting the project team provided an overview of the study’s background, the station site alternatives and evaluation, and design considerations for a potential future rail station in Palmer. Attendees were asked to provide feedback on the alternatives and design considerations.
February 2, 2025 | MassDOT announced that it has selected the “South of Palmer Yard” location (1199 South Main Street) as the preferred alternative for the future Palmer train station. The project team will now begin to develop a conceptual design which will allow MassDOT to engage with railway owner CSX, the site property owner, and proposed service operator, Amtrak, on the feasibility of constructing a future station. (MassDOT Press Release)
Further information
Palmer Station planning & design
MassDOT Rail and Transit Division
Citizens for a Palmer Rail Stop
A local advocacy group in Palmer
Springfield Area Track Reconfiguration Project
Conceptual Design | 2022 | Complete
Preliminary Engineering & Environmental | 2022 – 2023 | Complete
Final Design | FRA Grant awarded 10/29/2024
The Springfield Area Track Reconfiguration Project is being advanced by MassDOT in coordination with the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, Amtrak, CSX, and the other railroads that operate in Springfield.
The project will eliminate a rail chokepoint in Western Massachusetts and Western New England by modernizing the track and signal systems, while upgrading the rail facilities by rehabilitating multiple station platforms and constructing a new and more efficient train layover facility.
This project would improve operational efficiency, reduce travel times, improve passenger accessibility for intercity passenger rail services, and reduce freight and passenger rail conflicts on the rail corridors in the Springfield area.
The project (when built) will include:
- A seventh track and platform through Springfield Union Station to avoid delaying CSX freight trains entering the West Springfield Yard;
- A third track to the east of the Springfield Union Station terminal tracks that will allow for short-term storage of freight trains east of the CSX Boston & Albany Line (B&A)/Connecticut River Line diamond;
- A wye track connecting Union Station platform tracks to the MassDOT-owned Connecticut River Line;
- Additional crossover tracks between the B&A tracks and the Union Station tracks that will allow for flexibility in train movements;
- Additional track, crossovers, and signal interlockings that will increase capacity and connection between the Amtrak Connecticut River Line and CSX B&A Line;
- Improved ADA accessibility at Springfield Union Station with construction of additional high-level passenger platforms;
- A new layover facility at Taylor Street in Springfield, with a lead track providing connections to Union Station, including a new Chestnut Street overpass.
Milestones
June 2, 2022 | The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced that it had awarded a $1.8 million FY2021 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant to Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) for preliminary engineering design and environmental clearance work for track, signal, and infrastructure improvements in and around Springfield Union Station. (FY21 CRISI Selections, June 2, 2022)
December 29, 2022 | MassDOT purchased two adjacent parcels of land in Springfield at 255 and 331 Liberty Street. According to a MassDOT spokesperson, the state plans to use the property for a “rail maintenance-layover facility” to support “operational flexibility” for future passenger rail service through Western Massachusetts. (The Republican, January 16, 2023).
June 12, 2024 | The Healey-Driscol Administration announced that it was awarding an additional $1.75 million to the Springfield Area Track Reconfiguration project.
October 29, 2024 | MassDOT was awarded $36.8 million from the FRA’s FY2024 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program to complete design efforts for the Springfield Area Track Reconfiguration Project. (MassDOT Press Release)
July 4, 2025 | The FY2026 Final Budget, as signed by the governor, included $3.5 million to support the Springfield Track Reconfiguration Project. (Enacted Budget-Line Item 6643-0018)
Further reading
Springfield area track reconfiguration project
MassDOT Rail and Transit Division
West Springfield – Front and First Street Grade Crossing Elimination Project
Preliminary Design (25%) and Environmental Review
Fall 2024 — Fall 2026 | In Progress
On July 29, 2024 MassDOT announced that the Front Street at-grade railroad crossings in West Springfield, Massachusetts would be replaced with am overpass above the CSX-owned tracks.
Since 2014, stopped CSX freight trains at this location have caused extensive and regular traffic delays.
The project calls for the construction of an overpass that will connect Front Street and 2nd Avenue along a new roadway alignment. As part of the project the existing at-grade railroad crossing at First Street will be closed.
Further reading
Front Street Crossing (West Springfield)
Trains In The Valley
Front and First Street Grade Crossing Elimination Project
MassDOT Rail and Transit Division
MassDOT Project 613945 – West Springfield – Elimination of Two At-Grade Railroad Crossings at Front Street and First Street
MassDOT Highway Division
Springfield Projects
Amtrak Interlocking Renewal project
Courtesy The Position Light
Planning & Development | Oct 2018 – Sep 2027 | In Progress
Final Design | Apr 2022 – Oct 2025 | Complete
Construction | Jul 2024 – Sept 2027 | In Progress
This project involves the upgrade and reconfiguration of Amtrak’s Spring and Sweeny interlockings just west of Springfield Union Station.
This project plans to separate Spring interlocking from Sweeny interlocking, installation of a new crossover connecting tracks 2A and 4, and the replacement and reconfiguration of turnouts associated with the Sweeny interlocking.
The existing Sweeny interlocking is beyond its design life and the antiquated signal system and track geometry is prone to failures and dependent on spare parts that are no longer in production.
Further reading
Capital Investment Plan/FY26-30 CIP Web Appendix
Northeast Corridor Commission
Riverfront Park Access project
The City of Springfield will manage a project to create a new entrance way to River Front Park.
The proposed improvements, shown below, will replace the existing surface level parking lot on the east side of the tracks with an Americans with Disabilities Act compliant pedestrian path to the existing underpass to the north of the lot.
Milestones
January 15, 2021 | The state Transportation Bond Bill that was signed by Governor Baker included $1.5 million in funding to improve access to Riverfront Park in downtown Springfield.
March 8, 2022 | Amtrak offered the City of Springfield a $3 million contribution towards the cost of Riverfront Park access project. As part of the agreement Amtrak would be permitted to permanently close the State Street crossing.
April 14, 2023 | The City of Springfield opened bids for the development of drawings, specifications, and engineer’s estimates for the “Redevelopment of Riverfront Park Phase 3.”
Further information
“Railroad underpass work to improve safety, access to Springfield’s Riverfront Park”
By Jim Kinney | Springfield Republican | February 19, 2021
State Street Crossing Improvement Project (PDF)
NEC Capital Investment Plan: FY23-27 | October 2022
“Springfield’s Riverfront Park, cut off by railroad, seeks reconnect with Amtrak-funded project”
By Jim Kinney | Springfield Republican | July 9, 2023
Connecticut River Main Line/Knowledge Corridor Projects
Connecticut River Main Line Bridge 7.07 Rehabilitation
MassDOT Board of Directors Meeting | July 30, 2025
The Rail and Transit Administrator has announced that MassDOT is planning to rehabilitate the railroad bridge at milepost 7.09 on the Connecticut River Main Line.
The bridge, which spans the Connecticut River, is currently used by Amtrak (Vermonter and Valley Flyer services) and the Berkshire & Eastern Railroad (for freight service). A permanent speed restriction of 15 miles per hour has been in place on the bridge for many years due to its deteriorated condition.
Bridge 7.09 is a girder bridge consisting of two interconnected 10-span superstructure units, each designed to carry a single track. The bridge is 755 feet in length overall.
The bridge’s substructure (abutments and piers) were built in 1883 by the Connecticut River Railroad to support a 5-span iron truss bridge. The current superstructure—a riveted steel deck plate girder bridge—was constructed in 1921 by the Boston & Maine Railroad, in part to accommodate heavier locomotives.
In its early days, the bridge was equipped with a sidewalk for foot passengers, who paid a two-cent toll to cross.
Further reading
Connecticut River RR Willimansett Bridge (PDF)
Massachusetts Historical Commission | September 2014
Knowledge Corridor Positive Train Control project
In 2021 MassDOT initiated a project that would lead to the installation of a safety system known as Positive Train Control (PTC) on the MassDOT-owned Connecticut River Main Line between Springfield and the Vermont state line.
The Connecticut River Main Line, which is often referred to as the Conn River Line or the Knowledge Corridor, is used by Amtrak’s Valley Flyer and Vermonter trains, and the freight operator Berkshire & Eastern Railroad.
Notably, the Conn River Line is the only rail corridor used by Amtrak in Massachusetts that does not have PTC installed and in use today.
The other rail corridors that Amtrak operates on in the state — the Northeast Corridor, the CSX freight line west of Worcester, the MBTA Commuter Rail network1, and the Amtrak line south of Springfield — all have PTC installed and in use today.
1 The entire MBTA Commuter Rail network also has PTC installed and in use today.
Milestones
2021
June 21, 2021 | The MassDOT FY 2022 Capital Investment Plan was approved with $65 million allocated for a multi-year project to add Positive Train Control (PTC) to the Connecticut River Main Line.
2022
February 16, 2022 | During the MassDOT Board of Directors meeting it was announced that plans to procure long lead materials have started for the PTC project on the Knowledge Corridor. It was said that, “final design will be completed this year and construction will be completed over the following two years.”
May 18, 2022 | During a presentation to the MassDOT Board of Directors the MassDOT Rail & Transit Administrator reported that MassDOT was working with Amtrak to pursue federal funds for the Knowledge Corridor PTC project.
June 22, 2022 | The MassDOT FY2023 Capital Investment Plan was approved with no funding specifically listed for Knowledge Corridor PTC project.
2023
September 20, 2023 | The consulting firm WSP had been awarded a project for the design of a fiber optic cable installation on the Knowledge Corridor as a first step in implementing PTC on this rail corridor. (September 2023 Rail & Transit Report)
2024
March 2024 | A material vendor was awarded a contract to supply fiber optic cable, conduit, and handholes for use on MassDOT’s 49 mile Knowledge Corridor rail line between Springfield, MA and Northfield, MA. (March 2024 Rail & Transit Report) (Rail: Fiber Optic & Appurtenances TRD01 Electrician Services bid information)
U.S. Route 5, South Deerfield | September 11, 2024
Other projects
East Deerfield Yard Intermodal Project1
Planning, Development & Design | 2021–2024 | Complete
Construction | 2025
The purpose of the project is to improve access to intermodal rail services in the region by incorporating a rail intermodal loading unloading facility into the existing East Deerfield Rail Yard and improving the flow of freight into and out of the facility.
The project scope includes the construction of new track infrastructure to enable the loading unloading of intermodal containers from trains within the rail yard, and rehabilitation of existing track infrastructure that supports intermodal freight shipments.
The bulk of the project work consists of rehabilitating of four existing Receiving Tracks in the yard, and the construction of four new tracks at the north end of intermodal track area of the yard.
The East Deerfield Yard, located in Deerfield, MA, is owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Massachusetts Department of Transportation – MassDOT), and is operated, inspected and maintained by the Pan Am Southern LLC.
The project, which was put out for bids by MassDOT on November 21, 2024, is expected to be substantially completed by the end of December 2025.
1The full name of this project is the East Deerfield Yard – Intermodal and Receiving Yard Improvements Project.
Connecticut Projects of Note
Enfield Station
Planning & Development | Nov 2009 – Aug 2024 | Complete
Final Design | Oct 2023 – Apr 2025 | Complete
Bid Advertising Date (CTDOT) | October 8, 2025 February 4, 2026
Construction | 2026 – 2028
CTDOT Project No. 0320-0017
This project will add a new Hartford Line station in the town of Enfield, Connecticut.
The project includes a 350-foot high-level platform with shelter on east side of track, a dedicated bus lane and drop-off/layover for two buses at the station curbside, approximately 80 parking spaces, and improvements to the bridge that carries the railroad over Main Street.
The new station in Enfield is important for western Massachusetts because once it opens it will become the nearest Hartford Line station for people living just over the state line, in Agawam, East Longmeadow and Longmeadow.
Updates
October 4, 2023 | The Connecticut Department of Transportation hosted a hybrid public information meeting concerning the proposed railroad station in Enfield at Enfield Town Hall.
CTDOT Press Release
Meeting video (1hr 27m)
May 28, 2024 | The Federal Railroad Administration released the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Enfield Railroad Station Project. Public comment on the EA will be accepted until June 27, 2024.
Enfield Railroad Station Environmental Assessment- May 2024
April 2025 | Amtrak issued a Letter of Interest (LOI) for the construction of railbed, bridge, and drainage improvements to support realignment of existing track and a new gauntlet track, improvements to existing culverts, site grading improvements, and construction of retaining walls. This work, which will be in support of the planned Enfield Railroad Station project, will take place between milepost (MP) 53.7 and MP 54.4 of the Amtrak-owned railroad corridor that runs through Enfield, CT.
Further reading
Hartford Line Improvement Program
CTDOT
Enfield Station (PDF)
NEC Capital Investment Plan: FY26-30 | October 2025
Enfield Railroad Station Hartford Line Rail Program
Federal Railroad Administration
State Project 320-0005 Proposed Railroad Station in Enfield (1hr 27m)
Public Meeting (via YouTube) | CTDOT ion | October 4, 2023
Enfield has a Station (PDF)
Town of Enfield | March 2021
Windsor Locks Station & Track Improvements
CTDOT Project No. 0320-0016
Planning & Development | Nov 2009 – Dec 2021 | Complete
Final Design | Aug 2021 – Nov 2021 | Complete
Construction | Aug 2022 – 2026 | In Progress
Opening of the new station | Delayed until 20261
1 The date for the opening of the station has slipped over time — from September 2025, to end of 2025. At this stage, in the absence of any official statement from CTDOT, the only reasonable assumption is that the station will open at some point in 2026.
September 14, 2022 | Governor Ned Lamont joined state and local officials to officially break ground for the Windsor Locks station project, which includes a new train station and roadway safety and track improvements in the Town of Windsor Locks.
The new station, which will be located just to the north of the historic Windsor Locks station building, was expected to open in 2025.
The station will include a single 500-foot long partially covered high-level train platform.
The planned surface parking lots at the station are designed to accommodate 159 vehicles.
The station will also include a loading/unloading area for connecting bus service to Bradley International Airport.
The new station is important for people living in western Massachusetts for two reasons —
- Windsor Locks is currently the station of choice for people living in Agawam and Longmeadow due to its close proximity, and
- This new station will be the transfer point for the bus connection between the Hartford Line and Bradley Airport.
Milestones
September 19, 2019 | The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) hosted a public information meeting to present the project to the community.
Presentation deck (PDF) | Project Fact Sheet (PDF)
March 30, 2022 | Bids for this project were opened. The apparent low bidder was Manafort Brothers Inc. with a bid of $19,663,134.
July 15, 2022 | The contact for the project was awarded to the Walsh Group.
September 14, 2022 | Governor Ned Lamont and other elected officials officially broke ground for the project.
October 3, 2022 | Construction of the Windsor Locks station project commenced.
June 24/24, 2023 | The rail corridor between Hartford and Springfield was shutdown for the weekend so that Amtrak could position the track next to the future location of the new station platform.
December 8, 2023 | Amtrak issued a Request for Letters of Interest and Qualifications for civil and site construction improvements to support double tracking of the Amtrak-owned rail corridor in Windsor Locks, CT. The project involves construction activities for the Windsor Locks Railroad Station Improvements project between milepost (MP) 47.1 (a point just south of the existing Windsor Locks station) and MP 49.3 (a point just west of the Connecticut River Bridge.)
The project consists of construction of railbed and drainage improvements to support installation of a second track and replacement of the existing single track (future Track 1), improvements to existing culverts, site grading improvements at future interlockings, and construction of retaining walls. The work also includes converting the existing Amtrak Station into a Maintenance of Way yard including site grading and drainage construction as well as demolition of the current passenger station facility.
Progress images
Further reading
Hartford Line Improvement Program
CTDOT
Windsor Locks Station and Track Improvements (PDF)
NEC Capital Investment Plan: FY26-30 | October 2025
Project Fact Sheet (PDF)
CTDOT | September 2019
Hartford Line | New coaches and cab cars
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has ordered new rail cars to replace its existing push-pull coaches and cab cars on the Hartford Line.
The new rail cars will have a two-by-two seating configuration, foldable workstation tables, onboard WiFi, power outlets, USB ports, a bicycle storage area in each car, and “panoramic balcony-style windows allowing for the flow of natural sunlight through the car’s interior, giving riders great site views.” (CTDOT Press Release)
According to the RFP that was issued in November 2022, the contractor shall deliver a base order of 41 trailer cars and 19 cab cars to CTDOT on the following schedule:
| Event | Calendar Days from Notice to Proceed (NTP) |
| NTP issued to Alstom | August 4, 2023 |
| Delivery of Pilot Cars (3 Trailer Cars & 1 Cab Car) | 791 days (October 2025) |
| Delivery of First Production Rail Car | 973 days (April 2026) |
| Delivery of Last Rail Car of base order | 1,392 days (May 2027) |
The order includes an option for up to 322 additional cars.
Milestones
2019
June 3, 2019 | CTDOT issued a Request for Information regarding the procurement of single-level push-pull coaches and cab cars to replace its existing push-pull fleet. (Solicitation #19CTrail-1)
2020
April 16, 2020 | The State Bond Commission in Connecticut approved the expenditure of $300 million for the state-wide rail rolling stock replacement program (Minutes of Meeting of the State Bond Commission)
April 30, 2020 | CTDOT issued a Request for Proposal for the design and manufacture of rail cars and related services. (Solicitation #20CTRAIL-1)
2022
May 11, 2022 | CTDOT reissued its RFP for the design and manufacture of rail cars and related services. This bid was is canceled by CTDOT on Nov 22, 2022. (Solicitation #22CTRAIL-1)
November 23, 2022 | CTDOT again reissued its RFP for the design and manufacture of rail cars and related services. (Solicitation #22-CTRAIL-1A)
2023
August 9, 2023 | The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that it was purchasing 60 new rail cars from Alstom for use on the Hartford Line and the state’s other rail lines. (CTDOT Press Release
2025
2H2025 | Planned delivery of Pilot cars (3 Trailer Cars & 1 Cab Car)
November 5, 2025 | Alstom and CTDOT unveiled a life-sized model of the state’s future commuter rail cars at Union Station in New Haven. The wooden mock-up consists of the interior of one half of a car with seats, finishes and a wheelchair-accessible lavatory. (Alstom Press Release)
NBC Connecticut via YouTube | November 24, 2025
Further reading
Connecticut DOT Passenger Car Procurement (PDF)
Next Generation Equipment Committee meeting | February 2, 2024
Hartford Line: Phase 3B Double Track Project
Windsor Locks, CT | April 5, 2024
Development | Apr 2022 – Oct 2025 | Complete
Final Design | Mar 2023 – Oct 2025 Mar 2026 | In Progress
Bid Advertising Date | NA (*)
Construction | 2026 – 2030 | Not Started
* Amtrak will manage all elements of this project, including site work, grading, drainage, retaining walls, railbed, turnouts, track, signals and grade crossing installations required to support construction and operation of the new double track.
The Hartford Line Phase 3B Double Track Project will improve three single-track sections (totaling approximately 6.2 miles of track improvements) to double track. The project consists of these three segments:
The West Hartford/Hartford segment of the project is located between Mile Post (MP) 33.2 north of the Elmwood Busway (in West Hartford) and MP 35.2 adjacent to the Parkville Busway Station (in Hartford),. This segment includes 2.0 miles of upgraded siding track from Class II to Class VI rail (increasing maximum speeds on the segment from 30 mph to 110 mph), modification of approximately 1,000 feet of freight spur track, replacement and railroad signal upgrades, and grade crossing safety upgrades at Oakwood Avenue and Hamilton Street. (Project Presentation)
The Windsor/Windsor Locks segment of the project is located between MP 46.2 north of Hayden Station Road overpass (in Windsor) and MP 48.6 between the Bridge Street (Route 140) at-grade rail crossing and the new Windsor Locks train station. This segment includes the installation of 2.5 miles of double-track, realignment of approximately one mile of the existing single track to increase design speeds, installation of a new interlocking, and grade crossing safety upgrades at Dexter Mills and the closure of the Dexter Mills pedestrian crossing.
The Enfield segment of the project is located between MP 52.9 north of the Enfield High School and MP 55.47 north of Bigelow Commons, adjacent to the cemetery. This segment includes the installation of two new interlockings, 2.0 miles of 2nd track, and grade crossing safety upgrades to Bridge Lane. Approximately 0.5 miles of Track 1 will be reconstructed to complete the double track in the vicinity of the planned new Enfield Station.The Parsons Road crossing will be closed as part of this project.
The project also includes signal improvements. track drainage swales, underdrains, existing culvert extensions and rehabilitations, and retaining walls, and reconnection of existing commercial/industrial sidings, as required.
Utility relocation and roadway improvements, Windsor Locks
Project Presentation | May 29, 2025
Milestones
November 6, 2023 | The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) up to $104.9 million in funding to support this project. (FY 2022-2023 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program for the Northeast Corridor Selections: Project Summaries)
November 15, 2024 | The FRA awarded CTDOT up to $102 million in additional funding to support construction of this project. (FY2024 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program for the Northeast Corridor Selections: Project Summaries)
March 19, 2025 | The Amtrak Board of Directors approved a Board Resolution that suggests that Amtrak and CTDOT have agreed that Amtrak will now be responsible for the double-tracking of the line between West Hartford and Enfield (the state line). (Amtrak Board of Directors Minutes)
Further reading
Hartford Line Improvement Program
CTDOT
Hartford Line Rail Program: Phase 3B Double Track Project (PDF)
NEC Capital Investment Plan: FY26-30 | October 2025
Connecticut River Crossing Improvement Project
Planning & Development | Jan 2025 – 2032 | In Progress
Final Design | 2032 – 2034 | Not Started
Construction | 2035 – 2038 | Not Started
The objective of this project to complete project planning and conceptual design for an improvement or replacement of the existing river crossing in the towns of Enfield and Windsor Locks, Connecticut. The project will evaluate track alignment alternatives and other potential design and construction solutions.
The current structure, which was built by the American Bridge Company in 1903, has a 35 mph passenger speed limit (10 mph freight) due to its condition.
This project is currently limited to completing the Project Planning phase in accordance with the FRA grant that was awarded for this project. Later phases of this project may include final design and a construction or rehabilitation project.
When fully implemented, construction would address the aging bridge structure, speed restriction, and a key bottleneck on the Springfield Line, enhancing the operability, capacity, and resiliency of the crossing. It will also improve trip time and address state of good repair issues, as well as increased growth with increased reliability when it completes double tracking of the entire segment.
Milestones
November 15, 2024 | The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded Amtrak up to $8 million in funding to support a review of options to replace the existing structure.
Further reading
Capital Investment Plan/FY26-30 CIP Web Appendix
Northeast Corridor Commission
See also
East-West rail in Massachusetts
Infrastructure | Completed Projects
MassDOT Capital Investment Plan
Further reading
Compass Rail | MassDOT
Hartford Line Improvement Program | CTDOT
Page last updated: January 13, 2026
Page last reviewed: January 5, 2024