Blumenthal Applauds FRA Decision to Scrap Old Lyme Rail Bypass Plans, Raises Concern Regarding Impact to Fairfield County
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released a statement today commending the Federal Railroad Administration’s decision to abandon plans for a rail bypass through historic Old Lyme and other Southeastern Connecticut communities, while raising concern about possible impact to communities in Fairfield County.
The FRA today released its final plan for investment along the Northeast Corridor. The proposal is part of the FRA’s massive, multi-million dollar undertaking called “NEC FUTURE” to develop a vision to meet the passenger rail needs of the Northeast into 2040. Earlier proposals called for a rail line realignment sending Amtrak straight through historic Old Lyme and other shoreline communities. The final plan released today no longer recommends that option, but does continue to call for “further study” into the possibility.
“This final plan is a victory for common sense and for Connecticut, rightly abandoning the half-baked and hare-brained scheme to reroute Amtrak right through its historic downtown. There is no need for further study here—not a single penny nor minute of effort need be spent to conclude this bypass is a non-starter. This outcome is a direct result of the sustained outpouring of well-founded public opposition from residents,” Blumenthal said. “At the same time, I am deeply concerned about possible impact to communities in Fairfield County, and I urge the FRA to work closely with residents to enhance rail service while respecting local needs. I commend the FRA for keeping its commitment to the Northeast Corridor and taking account of projects already underway, including the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield line. I look forward to partnering with the FRA to find sensible solutions to expand the capacity of the Northeast Corridor and bring our country’s aging rail network into the 21st century.”