CT Breaks Ground On $1.6B Rail Modernization Project

by Donald Eng

STRATFORD, CT — Could Bridgeport be the next Stamford? State officials say a three-phase infrastructure project – scheduled for completion by 2035 – could make that a reality by shaving 25 minutes off the travel time from New Haven to New York City.

Representatives from Metro-North, Amtrak, the state DOT and Congressional delegation joined Gov. Ned Lamont Monday at a ceremonial groundbreaking at the Stratford train station on Time-1, the largest component so far of Time for CT, a comprehensive, multi-year initiative to rebuild, improve and expand the state’s rail network.

“We are building the rail system Connecticut needs for the future — one that gets people where they are going faster, delivers more reliable service, and provides modern, accessible stations,” DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said.

Joe Lagana, senior vice president of operations for Metro-North, said ridership on the line was up 13% over last year, when an estimated 34 million people rode the New Haven Line – 22 million in Connecticut.

“That’s 22 million people not on I-95, the Merritt Parkway or Route 8,” he said.

Time-1, a three-phased, $1.6 billion project, will modernize sections of the New Haven Line, making it possible to deliver faster, more frequent and more reliable rail service between New Haven and New York City.

The $340 million first phase focuses on a three-mile section of track between Bridgeport and Stratford. Crews are installing new catenary structures that power trains, adding turn outs to the East Bridgeport Rail Yard, replacing the Longbrook Avenue Bridge in Stratford, upgrading track and signal infrastructure, and adding new track connections to improve train operations through the corridor.

Funding for the first phase includes $184 million from the Federal Railroad Administration, $145.5 million from the State of Connecticut, and $11.2 million from Amtrak. The first phase is funded with money from the bipartisan infrastructure act, a $1.2 trillion package that passed in 2021. States 2 and 3 are planned but not yet funded.

Eucalitto said the improvements would allow trains to maintain higher speeds by reducing the need to slow when approaching the bridge and other points along the route that are scheduled for improvement.

The second phase, expected to begin in 2030, will deliver targeted improvements at Stratford Station, including track and platform upgrades, ADA accessibility improvements, enhanced passenger communications systems, and modernized electrical infrastructure with improved lighting and emergency power. This phase will also advance major corridor improvements, including catenary upgrades, bridge replacements, and retaining wall installations.

The third phase, expected to begin in 2031, will continue these efforts with additional bridge replacements, catenary upgrades, and infrastructure improvements to further enhance rail operations and reliability.

Jennifer Mitchell, Amtrak’s executive vice president of strategy and planning, called Time-1 a generational investment.

“Faster trips, greater reliability, and a better experience for every passenger are three major reasons why Amtrak is thrilled to support the improvements being made,” Mitchell said. “Today’s announcement underscores Connecticut’s commitment to infrastructure investments that will benefit residents and visitors for generations to come.”

Gov. Ned Lamont speaks about rail infrastructure in Stratford, CT on July 27, 2026. Credit: Donald Eng / CTNewsJunkie

Lamont said the improvements would have an impact on communities and people’s lives beyond their commute.

“Every minute we save on a commute gives people more time with their families, more time in their communities, and more opportunities to enjoy all that Connecticut has to offer,” he said. “Shaving minutes off New Haven Line commute times will have a real impact on the economic future of these towns, bringing new families and investment to communities up and down the line.”

The overall Time for CT program includes investments in rail infrastructure and fleet, bridge replacements, and service improvements. Ongoing work includes the replacement of aging movable bridges, such as the WALK Bridge in Norwalk and Devon Bridge in Milford, and continued modernization of the power, signal, and communications systems that support passenger rail service.

Since 2021, the program has launched New Haven Line Super Express Service, saving riders 20 minutes on select trips between New Haven Union Station and Grand Central Terminal; upgraded power, signal, and communications systems; advanced accessibility improvements at stations, rehabilitated 10 locomotives; and procured 60 new rail cars, according to Lamont’s office. These investments have helped improve reliability, reduce delays, and deliver better service for riders while moving Connecticut closer to a faster, more modern rail system.

For more information about Time for CT, visit portal.ct.gov/TimeforCT.