The end of June has a sense of finality. School wraps up, celebratory parties are held and everyone looks forward to the summer. But there’s a lot of unfinished business on the transportation front worth remembering.
Amtrak Avelia:
Whatever happened to Amtrak’s promise to have the new Acela trains in service “by the Spring”? The initial contract for 28 train sets was signed in 2016, with the first prototype of the sleek nine-car sets delivered for testing in 2020. The plan was for all the new trains to be running between Washington and Boston by 2022.
Computer simulations found problems as real life testing continued. By 2024 the hope was for the new trains to be running by now. But we’re still waiting. Amtrak’s only explanation for the latest delays is “crew testing”.
The new trains have been sighted in New Jersey (where maximum speeds of 160 mph are possible on short stretches of track), but I’ve not seen Avelia on Connecticut tracks… yet.
Digital Drivers Licenses:
In September, 2021, the Connecticut DMV and Governor Lamont announced that ours would be among the first states to allow smartphone users to show a digital version of their driver’s license on their devices. To date, 17 states offer such options. But still not Connecticut.
When I last asked DMV what was delaying the launch, their PR team gave me some boilerplate answer about “testing” and “security”… but no announced date for the launch.
How can California have solved those issues but we can’t?
Walk Bridge:
Built in 1896, this crucial rail bridge in South Norwalk has a history of problems. In one year alone, the bridge was stuck 16 out of 271 times it opened. Now it’s undergoing a $1.5 billion rebuild, not just of the bridge, but its supports and nearby tracks. The IMAX theater in the adjacent Maritime Museum was demolished to make way, but work on the bridge structure itself is still years away. The removal of the existing tower structure for overhead wires is scheduled to begin in 2026 with the new bridge (finally!) being finished in 2029.
Darien Train Station:
Last rebuilt in 2003, the station’s platforms were starting to crumble. By 2018 it was clear that CDOT would have to replace them. The $40 million contract called for first-of-their-kind heated platforms, obviating the need for corrosive salt to melt ice and snow. Half of the platforms were removed and the station waiting room was closed.
But now, years later, construction delays and problems with the electrical system have slowed the work, initially promised to be done by now. It’s hoped the first half of the new platforms may be ready later this summer. Then the other half of the platforms will be demolished and rebuilt. By March of 2026 the work will (hopefully) be done and the station’s 1800+ daily commuters will be able to use the new station platforms.
Engineering projects take time. But with every ceremony celebrating the launch of a new project, there are overly-optimistic promises of speedy completion. The pols take the credit while we just wait and grow more cynical, watching the costs rise.
Jim Cameron is founder of the Commuter Action Group and advocates for Connecticut rail riders. The views he expresses in his “Talking Transportation” column are his alone. Jim Cameron is also the Program Director of Darien TV79, his town’s cable TV station, as well as serving on Darien’s Board of Ethics and Blight Review Board. In his spare time, he’s an avid train spotter.
