OLD LYME, Conn. — Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner and a host of federal, state, and local officials were on hand Thursday for a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on a replacement for the Connecticut River Bridge between Old Lyme and Old Saybrook, Conn.
The $1.3 billion project will replace a bridge dating to 1907 that sometimes fails to open and close properly, leading to delays on the Northeast Corridor and for marine traffic. The new bridge will allow 70 mph operating speeds compared to the current 45 mph, and will increase vertical clearance, decreasing the number of bridge openings needed. Project completion is projected for 2031.
“When completed, this modern bridge will improve the customer experience by eliminating delays, providing faster journeys and modernizing another critical infrastructure asset in Connecticut that benefits the entire Northeast Corridor,” Gardner said in a press release.
Officials on hand included Deputy U.S. Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenburg, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, and state Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto.
Funding for the project includes an $826.64 million Federal Railroad Administration grant from the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail program. Amtrak and Connecticut will fund the remainder. In June, Amtrak awarded the bridge construction contract to a joint venture of O&G/Tutor Perini [see “Amtrak awards contract …,” Trains News Wire, July 1, 2024].
A new crossing is necessary for continued operation, that’s obvious. Looking at a satellite view, however, why stick with a bridge? The river channel is deep to be sure but there seems to be ample room on either side of the river for a tunnel with moderate grades. Was this option considered?
I’d be very surprised if a tunnel wasn’t way more expensive.
People always spend more of other people’s money.
I don’t doubt the project is needed and will provide ongoing benefits. There’s no reason to oppose it. However the financing offends the Libertarian in me as it’s yet another hidden subsidy.
Suppose that instead of these capital grants, the annual capital recovery of this project were built into the annual budget of the users: Amtrak, Shore Line East, and Providence and Worcester (a freight carrier). In turn the subsidy to these carriers was increased. Then we would know how much that subsidy to your ticket really amounts to, in actual real honest accounting.
Ditto, any other hidden subsidy whether it would be to aviation, highways, sports teams, and any other form of corporate welfare. I support subsidies for Amtrak (or Shore Line East) but I oppose hidden subsidies. Put it all up front.