USA: Connecticut has broken ground on the $1.6 billion TIME-1 upgrade of the New Haven Line, targeting speeds of up to 90 mph and more reliable service by 2035.

Metro-North M8 train at Bridgeport station under New Haven Line catenary
Metro-North M8 train 3546 arrives at Bridgeport station beneath New Haven Line catenary. Photo: 4300streetcar / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

The Connecticut Department of Transportation marked the start of TIME-1 construction at a ceremony in Stratford on July 27. The three-phase project will modernize critical sections of the route between New Haven and New York City.

Amtrak, MTA Metro-North Railroad and freight trains use the corridor, while about 100,000 passengers travel on the New Haven Line each weekday. CTDOT describes it as the busiest individual commuter rail line in the United States.

TIME-1 forms the largest component to date of the wider TIME FOR CT program. CTDOT says the project, combined with other capital works and service improvements, is expected to reduce New Haven–New York journey times by approximately 25 minutes.

$340.7 Million First Phase Covers Three Miles

The first phase concentrates work on a three-mile section between Bridgeport and Stratford. Crews are installing new catenary structures, adding turnouts at East Bridgeport Rail Yard and creating new track connections.

The scope also includes replacement of the Longbrook Avenue Bridge in Stratford and upgrades to tracks and signaling. CTDOT expects this construction package to support approximately 125 jobs.

Funding for phase one totals $340.7 million. The Federal Railroad Administration is contributing $184 million, Connecticut is providing $145.5 million, and Amtrak is contributing $11.2 million.

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New Haven Line Upgrade Targets 90 MPH

When all three phases are complete in 2035, trains will be able to operate at up to 90 mph on designated parts of the project corridor. The present maximum in the project area is 70 mph.

The works will also raise the upgraded sections from Federal Railroad Administration Track Class 4 to Track Class 6. Together with new catenary, signals and track connections, the higher standard is intended to support faster and more reliable operations for passenger and freight traffic.

Stratford Station Work Is Planned From 2030

Phase two is expected to begin in 2030. It includes track and platform upgrades at Stratford Station, ADA accessibility improvements, enhanced passenger communications, modernized electrical infrastructure, better lighting and emergency power.

That phase will also continue catenary upgrades, bridge replacements and retaining-wall installations. Phase three is scheduled to begin in 2031 and will add further bridge, catenary and infrastructure work.

The second and third phases are expected to cost about $1.3 billion combined. Connecticut officials are still seeking federal and partner funding to advance the full TIME-1 program.

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