Connecticut’s Democratic leaders joined Governor Ned Lamont Monday in announced their state would receiver more than $144 million in federal funding to replace two rail bridges.
U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Chris Murphy (D-CT), along with U.S. Reps. Jim Himes (D-CT) and Joe Courtney (D-CT), joined with Gov. Ned Lamont in a press conference to discuss funds from the Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Grant Program and how they would be used on the Walk Bridge in Norwalk and the Connecticut River Bridge between Old Lyme and Old Saybrook.
“One of Connecticut’s many strengths is the state’s access to rail and the major cities to our East and South,” Lamont said. “Fixing our aging bridges is about public safety and speeding up our transportation system. Our Department of Transportation will do a great job in making these improvements for our rail passengers. Thank you to the Connecticut Congressional delegation for their support of the state’s applications.”
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), in partnership with Amtrak, will receive $79.7 million in grants to replace the movable Walk River Bridge, built in 1896. The bridge will be replaced with two independent two-track vertical lift rail bridges. Money will also go towards rehabilitation and replacement work on the bridge approach embankments, retaining walls, signal systems, and catenary structures.
The two organizations were also awarded $65.2 million in grants to replace the Connecticut River Bridge. The 113-year-old structure will be replaced with a new movable bridge that will maintain a two-track configuration and existing channel location. The bridge will also provide a bascule moveable span with additional vertical clearance for maritime traffic.
“This $145 million grant will provide Connecticut with the urgently needed funding to replace both the Walk Bridge and Connecticut River Bridge – vital structures that have long outlived their intended lifespans,” Blumenthal said. “Rail passengers along the Northeast Corridor deserve speedy and reliable service on Amtrak, New Haven Line, and Shoreline East. I will continue to fight for every federal dollar for Connecticut’s rail and transportation infrastructure to help grow our state’s economy.”