ConnDOT told reporters that it had the project under consideration, but would also look at the same line north of Hartford, as far as Springfield, Mass. Amtrak already runs passenger trains along that corridor. The northern segment would also serve Bradley airport.

Parts of the New Haven-Hartford route have only a single track. That might be sufficient for starting peak-only service, like the New London-New Haven Shore Line East commuter rail, but more frequent commuter, Amtrak and freight service would require upgrade to a full two-track line.