[3][4] The old single-track bridge was no longer able to handle the train frequency and weights that the New Haven wished to run.

In 2000 the bridge experienced a major electrical failure which rendered the drawspan stuck in the open position (blocking railroad traffic).

Fully high-level designs without movable sections were eliminated from consideration due to the massive approaches that would have to be built, which would have major impacts on nearby wetlands and increase construction and land acquisition costs.

[11] By October 2022, Amtrak planned to begin the procurement process in early 2023 and award the construction contract later that year.

[13] Amtrak was awarded $827 million in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds in November 2023.

[10][14] Amtrak awarded the construction contract to a joint venture of O&G and Tutor Perini in June 2024.