Introducing RiverLink: Hartford’s New Connection to the River
Hartford is about to get a whole lot more connected. There are already several ways to reach the Connecticut River — some examples being the Columbus Boulevard Bridge, a direct route from downtown to the riverfront pathway and parks, and the Founders Bridge Stairs, which link Mortensen Riverfront Plaza to the riverfront trails — which we love, but none quite close the gap for North Hartford like RiverLink will.
What is RiverLink?
RiverLink is a ramp that begins on Pleasant Street at Market Street, rises to cross over I-91, and descends into Riverside Park at the Boathouse. It extends Riverside Park west to Market Street, giving North Hartford a brand-new park entrance and a true gateway to the river. RiverLink is also the opening piece of the Hartline, a planned 6-mile linear park and trail stretching from Bloomfield all the way to the Connecticut River.
Why does Hartford need this?
Right now, the only connection across I-91 at this location is an aging pedestrian overpass built in the 1970s. It's reached by a single remote street in the middle of a parking lot, requires climbing five flights of steep ramps, isn't ADA accessible, and drops people off in a hidden, disconnected part of the park. It's simply not the kind of welcoming, safe river gateway North Hartford deserves — and RiverLink is designed to fix that.
What could this look like in the Hartford?
Cities across the country have transformed old infrastructure into some of their most beloved public spaces. Here's a look at a few that could inspire what's possible right here in Hartford.
The 606 / Bloomingdale Trail | Chicago, IL
Built on a former elevated rail line, the Bloomingdale Trail is the backbone of Chicago's beloved 606 park system — nearly three miles of elevated trail with a dozen access points, connecting neighborhoods across the city's West Side with room to walk, bike, and gather.
Atlanta BeltLine | Atlanta, GA
A former rail corridor turned 22-mile loop of trails and parks, the Atlanta BeltLine now connects 45 neighborhoods with public art, restaurants, and green space — becoming one of the most transformative public infrastructure projects in the country.
Once an abandoned elevated freight rail line, the High Line is now one of NYC's most iconic public parks — a mile and a half of gardens, art, and skyline views suspended above the streets of Manhattan.
RiverLink is Hartford's chance to build something just as transformative — turning an outdated, uninviting piece of infrastructure into a true gateway to the river for the whole community.
Want to learn more or follow the project's progress? Visit hartford400.org/river-link. Support the work that the iQuilt Partnership does by making a tax-deductible donation.
This content is provided by The iQuilt Partnership.