Amtrak Advances New Haven to Providence Study on NEC

Amtrak is advancing the New Haven to Providence study with state and federal partners. The work will examine strategies to preserve and increase the frequency, speed, reliability, and resilience of commuter and intercity passenger rail between the two cities, guided by extensive community engagement.

Scope of the New Haven to Providence study

The study is intended to address ⁠long-term needs and goals related to mobility, economic prosperity, and quality of life in communities along the corridor. Concerns involving critical historical, environmental, and cultural resources will also be considered.

Planned work includes inclusive public outreach to understand local needs, together with an assessment of potential rail alignment alternatives or improvements to existing rail lines. The partners will also undertake preliminary work to define the capital investment needs for this section of the Northeast Corridor. A final report will document the results and identify the next steps.

NEC FUTURE is not the study’s starting point, and there is no predetermined preferred alignment or package of improvements. The study is also ⁠not an environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act and does not include environmental permitting. Any infrastructure improvements identified through the study would require additional planning, design, and environmental permitting through separate future projects.

Don’t miss…HS2 green tunnel completion reaches Copthall Tunnel

Amtrak was ⁠awarded up to $4 million in FRA funding on November 6, 2023, to complete the study. The ⁠current project schedule anticipates about 24 months of engagement, coordination and analysis. An ⁠official FAQ limits the current phase to conceptual design and alternatives analysis, excluding detailed engineering, land acquisition and construction. It says recommended improvements would later enter the CONNECT NEC and Capital Investment Plan processes, while subsequent stages would depend on future funding allocations.

Public engagement and study updates

A ⁠dedicated project website and email address are available to residents and stakeholders. Through these channels, people can ask questions, submit feedback, inquire about public meetings, and register for periodic study updates.

The partners have also published an Outreach and Engagement Plan on the website. Under the plan, an initial step will involve attending community events across the study area during the summer to begin direct engagement with the public.