Avoiding the crushing traffic on Interstate-84 from Waterbury to Hartford might get easier, if two state lawmakers get their way.
State Reps Frank Nicastro, of Bristol, and David McCluskey, of West Hartford, hope to fast-track the plan, saying it would ease congestion on I-84.
Most of the infrastructure is already in place, they said, with 22 miles of freight line tracks between Waterbury and Berlin.
The cost of upgrading them for commuter service would probably cost under $20 million, according to an official of the company that owns those tracks.
State Transportation Department Commissioner Joseph Marie said the idea is worth exploring, but adds it's a long-term project.
The DOT is already planning a $570 million busway from New Britain to Hartford and commuter rail service from New Haven to Hartford to Springfield.
