CTDOT Starts Construction on New Train Station in Enfield
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has initiated construction on a new train station in Enfield, Connecticut, marking a significant step towards restoring passenger rail service to the town after a 40-year hiatus. This project is part of the Hartford Line Rail Program, aiming to bridge a 15-mile gap between Springfield Union Station and Windsor Locks.
Project Details
Located in the Thompsonville neighborhood, the station will feature:
- A 350-foot-long, high-level boarding platform.
- An enclosed waiting area with covered seating and canopies.
- Wind screens, an electric snow-melting system, and passenger information displays.
- Approximately 80 parking spaces, including electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
- A dedicated bus area for two full-size buses, connecting passengers with Enfield's Magic Carpet bus service.
Funding and Timeline
The $125.3 million project is primarily funded by the state, with approximately 85% state funding and the remaining 15% from federal sources: the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Construction is expected to conclude in the fall of 2030.
Impact and Vision
The new Enfield station advances the town's vision for transit-oriented development and the revitalization of Thompsonville. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont expressed his administration's commitment to improving public transit access, stating, "Our administration... has been focused on rebuilding the Hartford Line one station at a time." This project offers better access to jobs, education, and new opportunities for housing, businesses, and private investment in the area.