TIME-1 Rail Improvement Project Kicks Off

TIME-1 Rail Improvement Project Kicks Off

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor

CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, along with Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, Amtrak Executive Vice President, Strategy, and Planning Jennifer Mitchell, and other federal, state, and industry leaders, participated in a groundbreaking for the TIME-1 project in Stratford, Conn. (Courtesy of Amtrak)

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) on July 27 marked the launch of the $1.6 billion TIME-1 project, which will upgrade the New Haven Line to deliver “faster, more frequent, and more reliable” commuter rail service between New Haven and New York City.

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CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, along with Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, Amtrak Executive Vice President, Strategy, and Planning Jennifer Mitchell, and other federal, state, and industry leaders, participated in a project groundbreaking ceremony. Covering the Connecticut-owned section of the Metro-North Railroad line, the project wil include three construction phases:

The $340.7 million first phase focuses on a three-mile section of track between Bridgeport and Stratford, Conn. Crews are installing new catenary structures, adding turn outs to the East Bridgeport Rail Yard, replacing the Longbrook Avenue Bridge in Stratford, upgrading track and signal infrastructure, and adding new track connections to improve train operations through the corridor. The work will support approximately 125 jobs. Funding includes $184 million from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), $145.5 million from the state of Connecticut, and $11.2 million from Amtrak.

The second phase, expected to begin in 2030, will deliver Stratford Station improvements, including track and platform upgrades, ADA accessibility and passenger communications systems updates, and modernized electrical infrastructure with improved lighting and emergency power. According to CTDOT, this phase will also advance major corridor improvements, including catenary upgrades, bridge replacements, and retaining wall installations.

The third phase, expected to begin in 2031, will continue these efforts with additional bridge replacements, catenary upgrades, and infrastructure improvements to further enhance rail operations and reliability.

According to CTDOT, the second and third phases combined have an anticipated cost of approximately $1.3 billion, and Gov. Lamont, in partnership with CTDOT and Connecticut’s Congressional delegation, “will continue pursuing federal and partner funding to advance the full program.”

Upon completion of all three phases in 2035, CTDOT said that trains will be able to operate at speeds of up to 90 mph in designated sections of the corridor, an increase from today’s 70 mph maximum in the project area. The improvements will also upgrade these sections of the line to FRA’s Track Class 6 standards, an increase from today’s standards of Track Class 4.

“The project, along with other capital projects and service enhancements, will enable Connecticut rail passengers to enjoy reduced travel times between New Haven and New York, culminating in a total of approximately 25 minutes saved,” CTDOT reported. “Together, these investments will strengthen one of the nation’s busiest rail corridors, improving reliability for Metro-North Railroad, Amtrak, freight operators, and the approximately 100,000 passengers who travel the New Haven Line each weekday.”

TIME-1 is part of the overall TIME FOR CT rail program, a multi-year plan to rebuild, improve, and expand the Connecticut rail network. Since 2021, TIME FOR CT has launched New Haven Line Super Express Service, saving riders 20 minutes on select trips between New Haven Union Station and Grand Central Terminal; upgraded power, signal, and communications systems; advanced accessibility improvements at stations, rehabilitated 10 locomotives; and procured 60 new railcars, according to CTDOT. These investments, it said, “have helped improve reliability, reduce delays, and deliver better service for riders while moving Connecticut closer to a faster, more modern rail system.”

TIME FOR CT’s goal is to improve travel time on the New Haven Line, but CTDOT said there will be benefits for all connecting Shore Line East who travel through this section in reduced travel times to reach destinations such as Stamford and New York, and for all connecting rail to the Hartford Line for CTrail and Amtrak riders who are traveling through New Haven to Stamford or New York.

“We are building the rail system Connecticut needs for the future—one that gets people where they are going faster, delivers more reliable service, and provides modern, accessible stations,” Commissioner Eucalitto said. “This ambitious project is possible because of the partnership between Governor Lamont, the Federal Railroad Administration, our federal delegation, state and local partners, and the skilled crews who are turning this vision into reality through their hard work in the field.”

“TIME-1 represents a generational investment for the New Haven Line and the customers we serve every day,” said Justin Vonashek, President of MTA Metro-North Railroad, who was selected by Railway Age readers as a 2026 Influential Leader. “These infrastructure improvements will deliver shorter travel times, more reliable service, and an improved experience for our customers for years to come. We’re proud to partner with the State of Connecticut on investments that strengthen the region and support a modern, resilient railroad for the future.”

“Faster trips, greater reliability, and a better experience for every passenger are three major reasons why Amtrak is thrilled to support the improvements being made through TIME FOR CT,” Amtrak Executive Vice President, Strategy, and Planning Jennifer Mitchell said. “Today’s [July 27] announcement underscores Connecticut’s commitment to infrastructure investments that will benefit residents and visitors for generations to come.”