Governor Lamont Announces Start of Construction on New Train Station in Enfield, Restoring Passenger Rail Service to the Town After More Than Four Decades

Aerial rendering of the new Enfield Train Station. [Download in higher quality]

Rendering of the waiting area at the new Enfield Train Station. [Download in higher quality]

(ENFIELD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto today 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.

Governor Lamont and Commissioner Eucalitto today held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site with other local, state, and federal officials and members of the public to commemorate the official start of construction.

“Our administration has been focused on improving access to public transit by rebuilding the Hartford Line one station at a time, and that includes creating a new train station in Enfield and finally restoring passenger rail service to this town after more than four decades,” Governor Lamont said. “Building this new station means better access to jobs and education, while creating new opportunities for housing, businesses, and private investment in Thompsonville.”

“We are closing a critical gap in the Hartford Line by bringing passenger rail and local bus service together, while upgrading tracks and signals to improve rail service and keep freight moving across the region,” Commissioner Eucalitto said. “Thank you to Governor Lamont, the FRA, the FTA, and our federal and state legislative delegations for their partnership and commitment to bringing the railroad back to Enfield after 40 years.”

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.

“After 40 years, rail service is arriving in Enfield,” Senator Richard Blumenthal said. “More than just another transportation option, it’ll be an economic driver, spurring business, housing and other development. I am thrilled by our state’s sustained investment in the Hartford Line and I will redouble the fight for federal funds strengthening local rail.”

“Expanding passenger rail access expands opportunities and investment for local neighborhoods and businesses,” Senator Chris Murphy said. “This funding will reconnect Enfield with the rest of Connecticut and help its economy grow.”

“For over fifteen years, my office has worked side-by-side with the Town of Enfield and the Connecticut Department of Transportation to secure this economic priority for the town,” Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) said. “Enfield is the largest town in Connecticut’s Second District, and restoring passenger rail service has been one of the most important goals of the Town and its citizens ever since the old station closed in 1986. Now, with the housing and new construction surrounding the project’s groundbreaking, this is really the posterchild for transit-oriented development. All of the work pulling together support from stakeholders and securing federal funding will lead to long-awaited connectivity and economic growth in Thompsonville.”

The station is projected to serve nearly 130,000 annual passenger trips by 2031. Travel times are expected to be approximately 23 minutes to Hartford and 13 minutes to Springfield by rail.

By connecting passenger rail with local bus service, surrounding neighborhoods, and existing and planned development, the station will help attract new housing, businesses, and private investment. The project has also been designed in coordination with the surrounding Bigelow-Hartford Carpet Mills Historic District, preserving the area’s historic character while supporting its future growth.

For more information and updates on projects along the Hartford Line, including the Enfield Station, visit portal.ct.gov/HartfordLineImprovements.

For current train schedules and additional passenger resources, visit HartfordLine.com.

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