Charlestown Town Administrator Joins Advisory Committee For New Haven-To-Providence Rail Study

Charlestown will have a seat at the table as Amtrak and its state and federal partners study the future of passenger rail between New Haven and Providence.

Town Administrator Jeff Allen has been selected to serve on the Public Advisory Committee for the New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study, a regional effort examining ways to preserve and improve rail capacity and performance along the Northeast Corridor.

Allen said he will attend the committee's first meeting Oct. 14 in New London, Connecticut.

"I wanted to share some information with the community regarding the New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study," Allen said in a message to residents.

According to an Aug. 19 letter from Amtrak Executive Vice President of Strategy and Planning Jennifer Mitchell, the study is intended to evaluate alternatives for improving Northeast Corridor commuter and intercity passenger rail capacity and performance while considering potential effects on natural and human-built environments.

For Charlestown, Allen's participation provides an opportunity to bring the town's perspective into a planning process that extends beyond individual communities.

"My participation will provide an opportunity to bring Charlestown's perspective to the planning process and to stay informed as the study moves forward," Allen said.

A Regional Look At Rail Capacity

The study is being conducted by Amtrak in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Massachusetts Department of Transportation, MBTA, Federal Railroad Administration and Northeast Corridor Commission.

The study area faces several challenges, according to Amtrak, including infrastructure constraints that can delay trains and limit service growth, as well as the Northeast Corridor's proximity to the shoreline.

An earlier planning effort known as NEC FUTURE examined some of these issues. Amtrak's letter to Allen says the new study follows that effort and will include a renewed public-engagement process.

The Public Advisory Committee is expected to include approximately 10 to 15 representatives from communities and interest groups within the study area.

Committee members will help guide public outreach, establish study goals and objectives, identify alternatives for consideration, review analysis and work toward consensus on recommendations, according to Amtrak.

The study is expected to take approximately two years, with the advisory committee meeting quarterly through a combination of in-person and virtual meetings. Members may also participate in additional meetings or public outreach events as the study progresses.

Public Input Will Be Part Of The Process

The study team recently reported speaking with more than 700 people at pop-up events connected with events including PVD Fest and the Old Mystic Village Garlic Festival.

Residents and other members of the public will have additional opportunities to provide input as the study moves forward.

Amtrak and its partners say public input will help inform the study and future recommendations. Information about the project, opportunities for engagement and a way to submit comments are available through the study's project website.

For Charlestown, Allen's appointment means the town will be represented as the study examines a regional transportation system with implications for communities throughout southern New England.

The first advisory committee meeting on Oct. 14 will mark the beginning of that process, with the study expected to continue over the next two years.

View Amtrak’s announcement about the study here

New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study – Official Project Website