Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto announced that construction has started on a project led by the Connecticut Department of Transportation that will build a new train station in Enfield and restore passenger rail service to the town for the first time since 1986.
Located in the Thompsonville neighborhood, the project is part of the Hartford Line Rail Program and will fill an approximately 15-mile gap between Springfield Union Station and Windsor Locks, reconnecting Enfield residents to destinations throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. The new station advances the Town of Enfield’s long-standing vision for transit-oriented development and the revitalization of Thompsonville.
The new, fully accessible station will feature a 350-foot-high level platform, a mostly enclosed waiting area, covered seating, canopies, wind screens, and an electric snow-melting system for the platform, ramps, and stairs. Additional amenities include passenger information displays, and lighting. Approximately 80 parking spaces will be provided, including electric vehicle charging infrastructure serving approximately 15 spaces, and a dedicated bus area accommodating two full-size buses and connecting passengers with Enfield’s Magic Carpet bus service.
Beyond the station, the project also includes the replacement of the railroad bridge over Main Street, roadway improvements to increase clearance beneath the bridge, new sidewalks, streetscape improvements, and pedestrian connections to surrounding neighborhoods. Approximately 4,400 feet of track will be realigned, along with signal, communications, drainage, and utility upgrades. A new gauntlet track will also accommodate oversized freight shipments while preserving freight operations through the station area.
The $125.3 million project is funded through approximately 85% state funding and 15% federal funding from the Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Construction is anticipated to be completed in fall 2030.
-via Press Release
