Old Lyme ― The proposed new Connecticut River Bridge will feature a longer movable span that will improve navigational clearances for boaters and will open and close more quickly than the current structure, according to a presentation from Amtrak.

The new two-track electrified rail bridge, which will be built to the south of the existing two-track electrified rail bridge, will improve the reliability of train service and increase the authorized speeds for trains from 45 to 70 miles per hour, according to the presentation.

Amtrak showed a preliminary rendering and detailed the construction timeline, the need for the bridge replacement, the history of the project, and construction impacts during a virtual information session on Wednesday evening.

Construction on the new bridge, between Old Lyme and Old Saybrook, is expected to start next year, with the total project, including the demolition of the existing bridge, slated to be completed in 2029, according to the presentation.

Amtrak held the information session to reintroduce the project to the public and is seeking comments before Amtrak submits permit applications, said Clarissa Fuller, senior principal project manager with Amtrak.

Project to address reliability, service

The existing 1,570-foot-long bridge, was built in 1907, and needs to be replaced, according to Amtrak.

The new bridge design features a 204-foot-long movable section, an increase of 44 feet, that is intended to be kept in the open position during peak boating season and has been designed with unique features, said Benjamin Hawthorne, deputy project manager at Hardesty & Hanover, a New York City infrastructure engineering firm.

The steel and concrete bridge will be designed to make inspection and maintenance easier.

The Connecticut River Bridge carries on average 38 Amtrak trains, 12 Shore Line East, and 6 Providence & Worcester freight trains a day, said Hawthorne.

The movable span opened 2,200 times last year, with 80% of the openings occurring during peak boating season between May and October, he said. Most of the boating in this area of the Connecticut River is recreational, with a mix of powerboats and sailboats, and its commercial usage is typically limited to general contractors and occasional cargo barges, as well as commercial fishing activities.

“The bridge is 116 years old and it’s nearing the end of its useful life,” Hawthorne said.

Amtrak regularly inspects the bridge and it is maintained in a condition to provide safe travel, but he said there is a limit to how long the bridge’s service life can be extended, he said.

The reliability of components on a movable structure is critical, as aging components can decrease the reliability of opening and closing the bridge ― resulting in train traffic delays and impacting speed throughout the corridor and service on the bridge and river, Hawthorne said.

“This project will address the reliability and long-term serviceability of the river crossing, ensuring continued passenger and freight rail operations along the Northeast Corridor, as well as along the Connecticut River,” Hawthorne said.

Construction, environmental impacts

Ryan Apanovitch, senior environmental project manager for AECOM, an infrastructure consulting firm, said the nearby Ferry Landing State Park boardwalk and fishing pier will be closed during construction. Amtrak is proposing to replace the existing boardwalk with a new, improved structure at the end of construction.

Amtrak will provide a substitute location for fishing during construction by rebuilding the fishing pier at Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam.

Apanovitch said there is a diverse mosaic of estuarine and environmental resources within the project area, including marsh, fisheries, protected species and watercourses, and the project is subject to reviews as part of the permitting process.

Amtrak has been working with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Coast Guard to develop permit applications and seek authorizations under the Clean Water Act and the Rivers and Harbor Act, and people will have additional opportunities to comment on the project.

He said Amtrak has been working with regulatory stakeholders to avoid, minimize and mitigate impacts to natural resources, including wetlands and watercourses, plants, wildlife, and fisheries. For example, Amtrak will implement restrictions on activities to reduce impacts during fish migratory periods.

Hawthorne said the project is designed to minimize interruption to rail service. To further minimize any impacts, various construction activities may occur at night, weekends or by closing a track.

Hawthorne said Amtrak anticipates the need for temporary access roads and staging platforms along the existing Amtrak right of way and shoreline near the abutments. He said any facilities that create temporary impacts to the environment will be removed at the end of construction and the area will be restored.

Hawthorne showed a proposed access road tying into Route 1/Boston Post Road in Old Saybrook and a proposed access road tying into Route 156/Shore Road in Old Lyme. He said Amtrak will use temporary access roads that tie into local roads, but there are no planned closures or detours of local roads.

He said river navigation will be maintained throughout construction, except for any necessary short closures, which will take place in the winter. The existing navigation channel will have a reduced width during the majority of construction.

Amtrak will communicate any construction impacts to the public, and any work requiring restrictions to the navigation channel must be approved by the Coast Guard and will include a public notice, he said.

People can submit comments by emailing nec@amtrak.com, mailing Office of Community Engagement c/o Danelle Hunter, Amtrak (Re: Conn River Bridge), 2955 Market Street, 3N-153, Philadelphia, PA 19104, or by calling (844) 891-7879.

More information is available at https://amtrak.com/connecticut-river-bridge.

k.drelich@theday.com