(rshsdepot) Connecticut Shore Line East stations

[I95BERNIEW_@_aol.com]

From Associated Content.
 
Bernie Wagenblast
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
Funding Approved for Train Station  Improvements
October 23 2006 - Associataedcontent.com 

By Corey Sipe  
Officials Hope Improvements Will Combat I-95 Traffic Problems  
The Connecticut State Bond Commission on Oct. 6 approved $7,000,000 for the  
design and right of way acquisition costs to upgrade five Shoreline East rail  
stations.  
Representative Marilyn Giuliano, R-23, said the approved funding will fund  
improvements at the Westbrook, Branford, Clinton, Guilford, and Madison train  
stations.  
“The Bond Commission’s action today is great news for Westbrook residents 
who  use the train to get to work. It will lead to improvements to make the 
railroad  station safer and more commuter-friendly. As a legislator who has worked 
for  several years to make commuter rail service more convenient, reliable 
and  efficient, I’m delighted that Governor Rell and the Bond Commission are 
moving  ahead with an important initiative that will encourage more people to get 
our of  their cars and onto Shoreline East trains,” Giuliano said.  
Funding will finance a redesign of the Westbrook station to include north and 
 south side platforms with a platform length of 200 feet.  
A canopy will cover half of the platform and a pedestrian bridge will be  
constructed to allow passengers’ access to both the north and south sides of the  
station, Giuliano said.  
Access to both sides of the track is essential since Shoreline East trains  
use both the north and south sides which may force passengers to cross the  
tracks.  
Going to the other side of the tracks is a potential hazard for passengers  
since Amtrak trains traveling through the stations are going at high rates of  
speed.  
This configuration is necessary so that Amtrak trains traveling through the  
stations are not required to pass Shoreline East trains while they are 
stopped.  
Designs are expected to be finished by February 2008, Giuliano said, with  
construction to begin in August 2008 and an expected completion date in August  
2009. 

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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org

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