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

FOR RELEASE: March25, 2014

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

Ribbon Cut for Westbrook Train Station

      Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker joined Westbrook First Selectman Noel Bishop and other regional and local officials today to cut a ribbon and formally open the new Westbrook train station serving Shore Line East customers.

      The $14.4 million station with nearly 200 parking spaces is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and has canopy-covered, high-level platforms on the north and south sides of the track and an “up and over” system with elevators for passengers to conveniently cross from one side of the tracks to the other. The station is located at 101 Norris Avenue, just off Interstate 95 Exit 65, adjacent to the existing station.

      “Since my first year in office, public transportation has been and remains a top priority,” said Governor Dannel P. Malloy. “It is important at the local commuter level, of course, but it is also vital for Connecticut to be competitive and continue to grow jobs. The Westbrook station builds on other recent investments in Shore Line East – most notably the additional new parking lot at the Branford station and other track infrastructure improvements.”

      The platforms are the length of four rail cars; there is parking on both sides of the tracks, a commuter drop-off and bus pick-up area, and a full audio and visual messaging system. Ground was broken for the new station on January 6, 2012.

      “We worked closely with Westbrook and the state legislature to secure this site for development as well as address other transportation needs here in Southeastern Connecticut,” said DOT Commissioner Redeker. “This new station will serve a growing Shore Line East ridership and provide the convenience and amenities that those customers deserve.”

      Shore Line East rail service is operated by Amtrak under contract with the DOT.

      “The new Westbrook Station exemplifies Amtrak’s ongoing partnership with Connecticut DOT and the Shore Line East service,” said Stephen Gardner, Amtrak vice president of Northeast Corridor infrastructure and investment development. “As a critical engine of economic growth, Amtrak continues to support the expansion of commuter service along the Northeast Corridor, and is pleased to facilitate the connectivity of another community to both commuter and intercity rail service in Connecticut.”

      Noel Bishop, Westbrook’s First Selectman, applauded the leaders of the state government for their support and funding and said the station “will promote necessary regional transportation for the shoreline and enhance all of the resources and attractions that Westbrook has to offer.  It helps us to realize our full potential as a community.”

      Banton Construction Company of North Haven was the prime contractor on this project, responsible for constructing the station, platforms and surface parking.

      Shore Line East stations are in New Haven, Branford, Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Westbrook, Old Saybrook and New London. Ridership in 2013 was up 5 percent over 2012 levels, from 627,000 to 658,000.