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CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NEWS RELEASE
2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546
NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456 |
| FOR RELEASE: February 15, 2011 |
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062
FAX: (860) 594-3065
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot |
Public Information Meeting Regarding Proposed Improvements to the Shore Line East Railroad Station located at Route 153 between Flat Rock Place and Norris Avenue
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a Public Informational Meeting concerning the proposed improvements to the Shore Line East Railroad Station located at Route 153 between Flat Rock Place and Norris Avenue. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at the Town Hall Multimedia Room, 866 Boston Post Road, Westbrook, Connecticut. A presentation on the project will begin at 7:00 p.m. followed by an informal question and answer session. The snow date is Tuesday, March 1, 2011.
The project is identified as State Project Number 310-0022.
The proposed project consists of replacement of the existing low level platform station, with a new station. This station will consist of 200-foot-long high level platforms on the north and south side of the tracks to allow level boarding from both tracks where currently there is only a low level “step-up” boarding from the south track. A pedestrian bridge over the tracks with connecting elevators and stairs will allow passengers to access platforms from either side. When complete, the station building will look similar to the Guilford Shore Line East Station.
Parking will be increased by demolishing the existing Westbrook Public Works buildings. This new south parking lot will accommodate up to 163 vehicles. Landscaping elements including low maintenance native species have been included in the project to enhance the site. The north side parking lot, which is currently not used, will also be upgraded and provided with an additional 26 parking spots.
No changes to Connecticut Route 153 are anticipated at this time.
All work will be performed while the station is still in operation. Construction will be phased and access to boarding will be via a temporary platform, which will separate construction activities from the passengers. The number of currently striped parking spaces will be maintained for the duration of construction.
Construction is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2011 based on the availability of funding. The estimated construction cost for this is between $10 and $15 million and it is anticipated to be undertaken with 100% State funds.
The Public Informational Meeting is being held to afford a full opportunity for public participation and to allow open discussion of any views and comments the community may have concerning this proposed project.
Plans of the proposed project will be on display for public review. Department personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss this project. More detailed information is available at the Department’s Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington , Connecticut Westbrook Town Hall