This impressive project is primarily being funded through a grant from the Federal Railroad Administration.
By Lisa Kopochinski
Click to view the original article on Connstruction-Digital.com
Construction has begun on the new Connecticut River bridge project located between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme. When completed in July 2030, this project will replace the existing 116-year-old bridge. The aging bridge’s failure to open and close consistently could result in delays to rail and maritime traffic.
The new $1.3 billion modern and more resilient bridge will feature a trunnion bascule span design with a modern track, signal, catenary, power, communication and other supporting rail infrastructure. It will also support a maximum train operating speed of 70 mph – a 55 percent increase from today’s maximum speed of 45 mph.
Maritime navigation and safety will also improve due to the increased vertical clearance of the new bridge compared to the existing bridge. In the closed position it will increase by 6 feet (from 18 feet to 24 feet) and from 71 feet wide to 90 feet wide unobstructed in the open position.
“This new bridge will also support a maximum train operating speed of 70 mph – a 55 percent increase from today’s maximum speed of 45 mph.”
This impressive contract was awarded to O&G Industries/Tutor Perini as a joint venture in June with a Notice to Proceed this past August.
“There was an official groundbreaking ceremony on September 5th at the Ferry Landing State Park, hosted by Amtrak, with several Amtrak and State of Connecticut dignitaries in attendance,” said Peter Spath Jr., Senior Project Manager at O&G Industries in Torrington, Conn. for the project.
“These included Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, US Dept of Transportation Secretary Trottenberg, Governor Lamont, Senators Blumenthal and Murphy, Representative Courtney, and DOT Commissioner Eucalitto.”
Project Funding
This impressive project is primarily being funded by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through a $826.64 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration.
In a statement, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said when completed, this bridge will improve the customer experience by eliminating delays, providing faster journeys, and modernizing another critical infrastructure asset in Connecticut that benefits the entire Northeast Corridor.
“Today’s milestone would not be possible without funding from the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act and continued support from the Biden-Harris Administration along with Connecticut’s champions of rail in Governor Lamont, Senator Blumenthal, Senator Murphy, Congressman Courtney, Commissioner Eucalitto, and so many others.”
Kyle Anderson, Amtrak Senior Public Relations Manager, agreed, and added, “We will build the new bridge and place it into service before demolishing the old bridge, with overall project completion scheduled for 2031. The new bridge should enter service around 2029/2030.”
Congressman Joe Courtney’s office said Amtrak will construct a new two-track bridge to replace the existing two-track bridge.
“The new moveable bridge will be located immediately south of the existing moveable bridge, featuring modern track, signal, catenary, power, communication, and other supporting rail infrastructure. It is designed with a maximum operating speed of 70 mph, a 55 percent increase from today’s maximum speed of 45 mph. Maritime navigation and safety will also improve due to additional vertical clearance compared with the existing bridge.”
Fewer Delays
When completed, the new bridge will improve reliability and reduce delays for Amtrak’s intercity services, Connecticut Shore Line East commuter service, and freight operators along the Northeast Corridor (NEC), America’s busiest rail corridor.
In a statement, Senator Blumenthal said the Connecticut River Bridge is an essential part of this busy Northeast Corridor rail line, but in dire need of repair.
“I am thrilled the work to replace this century-old bridge is moving forward – ensuring improved rail service is on the way. And I will keep fighting for federal resources to improve Connecticut’s aging infrastructure.”
Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto couldn’t agree more.
“The new structure, built by Connecticut’s building trades, will improve safety, reliability, and increase operating speeds along the line. CTDOT is grateful for the continued support of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration, the advocacy of our Congressional Delegation, and the collaboration of our partners at Amtrak.”
Environmental Requirements
To date, the Amtrak team is undertaking a series of several environmental mitigations following an extensive permitting process with CTDEEP, the Army Corps, and others in order to advance this project.
Spath added that the O&G team is currently mobilizing and getting the onsite offices set up and performing numerous submissions. “Physical activities have been limited to initial construction staking, clearing, and grubbing, and invasive species management. The project is still in the early stages of construction, so we are just getting ramped up.”
He says the biggest challenge to date has been fulfilling the environmental requirements prior to the start of construction activities.
“There are protected plant species within the limits of construction that need to be relocated prior to the start of certain construction activities.”
There are also future challenges that his team is gearing up for that include time of year restrictions associated with in-water work.
“Barge availability is difficult based on the number of marine construction projects on the East Coast, as well as some recent storms and other events that require barges for recovery and rebuilding. Many times, you have to take on the lease of a barge prior to truly needing it to ensure you have it when your operations require due to the sparse availability.”
Added Anderson, “Throughout the project, regular rail service will continue with a series of single-track outages, but minimal impacts to customers. This will ensure Amtrak and our partners can continue to serve our customers with annual Amtrak ridership at record levels in our 50-plus year history.”
