H&H is the lead designer for the preliminary and final design of the off-line replacement of a two-track electrified bascule railroad bridge crossing a major tidal river with approximately 1500 feet of approach structure and nearly one mile of at-grade approach work. The scope of work includes environmental permitting, project management of all design disciplines and multiple specialty subconsultants, topographic and bathymetric surveys; track design per AREMA guidelines and Amtrak standards; geotechnical investigations and foundation design; civil design of approaches and approach retaining walls; right-of-way and easement determinations; utility investigations and engineering. Constructability considerations and the design of temporary features that will be required for construction while maintaining rail operations and navigation on the river are major design aspects.
An environmental assessment and preliminary design have been completed, awaiting Federal Railroad Administration approval. The new design and configuration of a replacement bridge aim to improve reliability and offer higher speeds for Amtrak and Shore Line East trains. The final design will be completed over the next two years.
The existing Amtrak Connecticut River Bridge was constructed circa 1907. It comprised a two-track, open deck, electrified railroad bridge, 1,564-foot-long, consisting of seven thru-truss spans, two-deck girder spans, and one 158-foot Scherzer-type rolling lift span. The bridge carries approximately 35 passenger trains and six freight trains per weekday. In recent years, the draw span of the bridge has been operated approximately 3,700 times annually to accommodate navigation on the Connecticut River.
