First Phase of $1.6B Metro-North Upgrade Launched

State officials broke ground July 27 on the first phase of a long-awaited $1.6 billion, multiyear modernization of Metro-North’s New Haven Line.

The three-phase project is designed to deliver faster, more frequent, and more reliable rail service between New Haven and New York City—the country’s busiest commuter rail line.

Once completed in 2035, the project should cut travel times between New Haven and Grand Central Terminal by about 25 minutes in each direction.

Metro North trains are expected to operate at speeds of up to 90 miles per hour in designated sections, up from a maximum of 70 miles per hour today.

“The New Haven Line connects thousands of people to jobs, businesses, and destinations across Connecticut and the region every day,” Gov. Ned Lamont said.

“Shaving minutes off New Haven Line commute times will have a real impact on the economic future of these towns, bringing new families and investment to communities up and down the line.”

Funding Uncertainty

The project’s first phase is focused on a three-mile section of track between Bridgeport and Stratford and will cost an estimated $340.7 million—$184 million from the Federal Railroad Administration, $145.5 million from the state, and $11.2 million from Amtrak.

The second phase is scheduled to begin in 2030, featuring track and platform upgrades, ADA accessibility improvements, enhanced passenger communications systems, and modernized infrastructure.

With a scheduled 2035 completion date, the third phase includes additional bridge replacements, catenary upgrades, and other infrastructure improvements.

“We need predictable, reliable funding.”

DOT commissioner Garrett Eucalitto

The second and third phases are expected to cost a combined $1.3 billion, with future federal funding uncertain despite passage of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021.

The federal government has not approved any new transit funding agreements under the act since President Trump returned to office in 2025.

“We need predictable, reliable funding,” state Department of Transportation commissioner Garrett Eucalitto told reporters at the groundbreaking ceremony.

“The one pitfall is going to be is what is the federal government going to with the next surface transportation bill.”