The project is on schedule to replace a 118-year-old bottleneck on the Northeast Corridor by 2031.
Amtrak released a new video overview Monday detailing progress on the Connecticut River Bridge replacement project, a critical link on the Northeast Corridor. The update confirms the project is on schedule to replace the 1907-built bridge connecting Old Saybrook and Old Lyme, Connecticut. The new, modern structure is projected to boost top train speeds by 55% and significantly improve service reliability.
The video, released October 27, highlights construction milestones achieved since the project broke ground just over one year ago. The replacement involves building a new movable bridge immediately south of the existing one, equipped with modern track, signal, and power systems.
The current 118-year-old bridge is a notorious bottleneck, serving over 50 daily Amtrak, CTrail Shore Line East, and freight trains. Its aging mechanical systems are a frequent source of failures, causing “cascading delays” for both rail and maritime traffic, according to Amtrak.
“This project is fundamental to a modern, reliable Northeast Corridor,” an Amtrak spokesperson said in a statement. “Replacing this century-old structure will reduce delays and maintain a state of good repair for decades to come.”
The project is a key component of the Northeast Corridor upgrade plan, supported by funding partners at the Federal Railroad Administration and the Connecticut Department of Transportation. The new bridge is expected to eliminate the delays caused by the aging structure.
Amtrak also noted the project’s economic impact, with major components being fabricated in Florida, Alabama, and Pennsylvania before shipment to the Connecticut site.
Construction remains on schedule and within budget, with a target opening for the new bridge by 2031. Amtrak stated the new video provides an “inside look” at the teams and partners involved in the replacement.
Reference: https://media.amtrak.com/2025/10/watch-connecticut-river-bridge-project-overview/