Amtrak opens new bridge over Niantic River

EAST LYME, Conn. (AP) — Amtrak has opened its new bridge over the Niantic River in East Lyme.

Traffic was shifted overnight, officially closing the 105-year-old Niantic River Bridge and opening the new span.

Joe Boardman, the railroad's president and chief executive, called it a major accomplishment in Amtrak's effort to improve the infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor.

He says the new lift bridge will allow for increased speeds and fewer delays through Connecticut.

The last train to operate over the old bridge was scheduled to go through just after 11:30 p.m. Friday. An Amtrak spokeswoman says the first train crossed over the new bridge on Saturday morning.

Amtrak will continue to open and close the old bridge for all maritime traffic until it is fully removed next spring, completing the $140 million project.