NEW YORK – Amtrak work on its three Connecticut movable bridge projects remains on-schedule for completion. Two of the three federally-funded projects are on pace to be concluded sometime in 2013, with work to replace the railroad bridge over the Pattaganset River (Miamicock) in East Lyme scheduled to be completed next month.
Replacement of the Railroad Bridge over the Pattaganset River (Miamicock)
The $20 million Miamicock Bridge Replacement Project is being funded by the American Recovery and Investment Act (ARRA) and is in its final stages with an anticipated completion date by the end of June.
This work will result in smoother and more reliable service for passengers after the construction of the new railroad bridge. The project included removal of the existing 100 year old bridge and substructure, and construction of the new bridge on footings supported by piles driven to bedrock.
This project was unique in that construction was completed on each track in phases while train service remained active on the adjacent track.
Niantic Bridge Replacement Project
The $125 million Niantic Bridge Replacement Project in East Lyme remains on pace for completion in May, 2013, with significant progress made this winter to replace the existing 103-year old span.
The three year project began in April, 2010. It is being funded by $47.1 million from Amtrak’s annual capital program and $57.6 million from ARRA. Crews are preparing to begin: construction of a new navigation channel bridge pier fender system; installation of an
electrical submarine cable crossing under the navigation channel and between the river piers; and completion of the concrete river piers, bridge abutments and the pre-cast of a concrete sea wall.
All of this work is to be completed by the end of this year.
East and West Harbor Railroad Bridge Project
Construction at this site in Stonington resumed last month after a brief hiatus.
Work on the $32 million bridge replacement project is being performed by new contractor Cianbro. The East and West Harbor Bridges each received $16 million in ARRA funding for their removal and replacement with new bridges, steel spans, concrete piers, and headwalls.
As a result of the work, the bridges will have increased in its vertical clearance under the bridge which will improve access north of the railroad for local boaters to Lambert’s Cove – a goal long sought by the Stonington community.
