CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: August 13, 2014

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a public informational meeting concerning the proposed Bethel Rail Station parking lot expansion on Thursday, September 4, 2014 in the GP Room of the Bethel Town Hall, 1 School Street, Bethel, Connecticut.  An open forum for individual discussions with Department officials will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a formal presentation at 7:00 p.m.

The project is identified as State Project No. 302-15.

The purpose of the project is to accommodate parking demand due to increased ridership on the Metro North Danbury branch.  Increasing the number of parking spaces will allow for easier access to train service for the community.  The parking lot will be expanded on the north side of the existing parking lot.  Additional improvements include milling and overlaying the existing parking lot, new sidewalk ramps and landscaped islands, and modification of the drainage and lighting.  Eight accessible parking spaces will be added immediately adjacent to the station.  A pedestrian pick-up/drop-off area will be located in front of the station for vehicles as well as buses.

New sidewalks will be installed along Durant Avenue to close the gap between the existing sidewalk at the train station and the adjacent property to the north.

Temporary rights to grade and construct sidewalks will be required from the adjacent property to the north to install the proposed sidewalk.  Construction is anticipated to begin in 2016 based on the availability of funding.  The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $2 million.  This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 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.

The meeting facility is ADA accessible.  Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department’s Office of Communications (voice only) at (860) 594-3062 at least five (5) working days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public, and efforts will be made to respond to requests for assistance.

Plans will be on display for public review at the public informational meeting.  Plans are also available for review at the Bethel Town Hall (Town Clerk’s Office).  Department personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss the proposed project.  More detailed information is available at the Department’s Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Connecticut, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays. Anyone wishing to discuss the project may contact Ms. Susan M. Libatique at (860) 594-3179 or by e-mail at Susan.Libatique@ct.gov.