Central Corridor Rail Line

The Central Corridor Line (CCL) extends north from New London through Uncasville, Norwich, Willimantic, Mansfield (Storrs), Stafford Springs and then continues up through Palmer, MA and Amherst, MA to Brattleboro, VT where it connects with Amtrak.

The track is currently operational, carrying freight between New London and Canada.

During the past year, the Palmer Railroad Coalition, along with municipal officials along the CCL route, have sponsored informational and organizational meetings to promote a new passenger rail service and improved freight capacity along the line between Brattleboro, VT and New London, CT.

The Coalition’s goal is to upgrade the track to accommodate passenger rail service and increase the track’s freight capacity to expand manufacturing and shipping opportunities in eastern Connecticut and western Massachusetts.

13 major colleges or universities are located in towns along the CCL including New England’s two largest, UConn (25,000) and UMass (27,000). In addition, Willimantic and New London have a college population of over 11,000 students.

Tourism is a vital component of the economy in this region and CCL will provide greater access to leaf-peeping and skiing in the north or maritime-related summer activities in the south.

CCL abuts Mohegan Sun property in Uncasville and stops within one mile of the proposed Palmer MA casino.

Convenient rail transportation service between Willimantic, Norwich and New London will benefit the economic vitality of all three towns.

Connection at New London’s Union Station with Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor lines, as well as ferries to Long Island will increase New London’s role as a transportation center.