Connecticut DOT Awards $20 Million in Grants to Strengthen Freight Rail Infrastructure

Published: March 12, 2026

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has announced a new round of funding aimed at improving the safety, reliability, and capacity of the state’s freight rail network. Through its Rail Freight Infrastructure Program, the agency is distributing $20 million in grants to six freight railroads operating across Connecticut. These projects will also be supplemented by roughly $4 million in private matching funds from the participating railroads, further expanding the scope of improvements.

State officials say the investment is designed to strengthen the supply chain while reducing highway congestion by shifting more freight traffic to rail. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont noted that reliable freight infrastructure is essential to moving goods across the region and supporting economic growth. According to CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, the improvements will help freight move more safely and efficiently while enhancing the long-term resiliency of the state’s rail network.

New England Central GP38s #9533, #9527 and #9523 are southbound with train #608 at Willimantic, Connecticut on February 27, 1998. Doug Kroll photo.

Railroads Receiving CTDOT Grants

The grants are being distributed among six short line and regional railroads operating within Connecticut. These projects focus primarily on track rehabilitation, bridge repairs, grade-crossing improvements, and yard upgrades.

Providence & Worcester Railroad — $4,911,520

The Providence and Worcester Railroad will use nearly $4.9 million to rehabilitate portions of its Wethersfield Secondary Line. Planned improvements include:

Replacement of worn rail to support 286,000-pound freight cars
Replacement of four grade crossing surfaces in Wethersfield
Installation of new ties and switch ties
Ballast and track surfacing improvements

These upgrades will allow the line to handle heavier freight cars and improve overall reliability.

Naugatuck Railroad — $4,571,673

The Naugatuck Railroad will receive $4.57 million to upgrade infrastructure primarily in Torrington and along its operating corridor. The project includes:

Replacement of four grade crossings in Torrington
Upgrades to two crossing signal systems
Replacement of worn rail and ties
Construction of a new customer turnout and public track turnout
Installation of additional car storage tracks
Replacement of bridge ties

These improvements will support freight operations while also benefiting the railroad’s tourist passenger service.

Connecticut Southern Railroad — $4,463,668

The Connecticut Southern Railroad will receive $4.46 million for several critical projects including:

Structural repairs to the Connecticut River Freight Bridge
Replacement of four grade crossing surfaces in East Hartford
Infrastructure upgrades in the railroad’s Hartford yard
Rail replacement along the Wethersfield corridor

These improvements are expected to enhance switching efficiency and strengthen a key freight route in the Hartford region.

Housatonic Railroad — $2,636,382

The Housatonic Railroad Company will receive $2.64 million to address track conditions and crossing safety along its corridor. The funding will be used for:

Replacement of grade crossing surfaces in New Milford
Replacement of deteriorated track ties along the line

The project aims to improve both operational safety and ride quality along this regional freight route.

Pan Am Southern — $1,853,047

The Pan Am Southern corridor, now operated by Berkshire and Eastern Railroad (a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming), will receive $1.85 million for track and crossing improvements. Planned work includes:

Replacement of rail and bridge ties
Upgrades to grade-crossing warning devices
Improvements to track turnouts

These upgrades will help maintain freight capacity on a major New England freight corridor connecting Connecticut with western Massachusetts.

New England Central Railroad — $1,563,689

The New England Central Railroad will receive $1.56 million to improve infrastructure in eastern Connecticut. Work funded by the grant will include:

Grade crossing improvements in Franklin and Windham
Relocation of signal infrastructure
Replacement of worn rail
Bridge tie replacement and structural repairs

The upgrades are expected to increase operational safety and reliability along the railroad’s north-south freight corridor.

Strengthening Connecticut’s Freight Network

Together, these projects represent a broad investment in the state’s short line freight railroads—many of which serve as critical links between local industries and the national rail network. By upgrading track, bridges, and crossings, CTDOT aims to improve service reliability while enabling railroads to handle heavier freight cars and higher traffic volumes.

Officials emphasize that strengthening freight rail infrastructure not only benefits the rail industry but also reduces truck congestion on highways and supports economic development throughout the state. With Connecticut positioned along key freight corridors in the Northeast, these upgrades are expected to help ensure the network remains safe, efficient, and competitive in the years ahead.