Specifications include, but are not limited to: The New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study (CPS), administratively led by Amtrak with significant input and collaboration from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority/Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MBTA/MassDOT), and the Northeast Corridor (NEC) Commission, aims to develop and evaluate alternatives to grow rail capacity and improve rail performance between New Haven, CT and Providence, RI, with a goal of minimizing effects on both the natural and human built environments. With an anticipated duration of 18-24 months, the New Haven to Providence CPS will focus on the Project Planning phase, combining strategic planning with community engagement to foster sustainable rail solutions for the region. Key activities include a robust public outreach program that will use an open and collaborative approach to build trust with stakeholders through regular updates and events; the identification and evaluation of potential rail alignment alternatives; and the initial design work necessary to define the capital investment needed. Following the conclusion of the study, the selected consultant team may be asked to continue to move this work forward by completing both the Preliminary Engineering (PE/30% design) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) clearance for the preferred alternative(s) from the CPS. Amtrak always reserves the right to not proceed into PE and NEPA or to select a different consultant team for those project phases.
