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Rail News Home Passenger Rail

11/24/2014



Rail News: Passenger Rail

Connecticut approves state funds for Walk Bridge replacement


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Connecticut's State Bond Commission has approved more than $53 million for the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) to begin work to replace the New Haven Line's Walk Bridge, Gov. Dannel Malloy announced last week.

Maintained by MTA Metro-North Railroad under a contract with the state, the 118-year-old bridge carries more than 140 trains a day. This summer, the bridge malfunctioned in two separate incidents within a two-week period, causing delays for New Haven Line commuters.

"The failure of the Walk Bridge to open this summer, which resulted in massive delays and hassle for Connecticut riders, just underscored the need for us to continue our efforts to aggressively pursue funding for these kinds of projects and ensure a safe, reliable and convenient commute for residents," said Malloy in a press release.

The $53 million in state funds will be used to match a $161 million federal grant awarded to ConnDOT in September under the Hurricane Sandy Resiliency Project Program for states that were affected by the October 2012 storm. Connecticut applied for the federal funding to cover the capital costs of several "infrastructure hardening" projects that are central to the New Haven Line, including design and full replacement of the Walk Bridge, Malloy said.

Built in 1896, the bridge is the oldest movable bridge along the Northeast Corridor in Connecticut. The structure will be replaced with a bascule or vertical lift bridge that will open for marine traffic from one side with a counterweight system.

Additionally, Malloy announced the State Bond Commission approved $7 million to implement the design phase of the installation of a cab signal system with automatic train control on the 27-mile Waterbury Line Branch. In the past four years, the state has invested almost $11 million in Waterbury Branch-specific projects to restore the line to a state-of-good repair.