Press Releases
10/27/2016
Gov. Malloy Announces New Platform Opening at Branford Station on Shore Line East
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(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Connecticut Department of Transportation Commission James P. Redeker and other state and local officials today marked the completion of a new platform at the Branford railroad station on Shore Line East - the commuter rail line between New Haven and New London. Trains are scheduled to begin utilizing the new platform on Saturday, November 5.
The new platform on the northbound side of the station compliments the existing southbound platform along with an "up and over" pedestrian walkway that includes elevators, stairs, and ADA-compliant accessibility. A state-of-the art "Train Approach Messaging System" (TAMS) was also installed to alert people on the platform that a train is approaching.
Also included in the recently completed project is a bicycle parking area, a new canopy for shelter from the elements, and a number of parking, landscaping and other amenities. There are now about 375 parking spaces at Branford station.
"Shore Line East has proven to be an important link in our commuter rail network, and improvements like these make it more enticing for commuters to get out of their cars and onto the train," Governor Malloy said. "We are committed to this work because a strong transportation system means a strong economy."
"A project like this has a substantial ripple effect in the local and regional economy," Commissioner Redeker said. "When people are working, they're spending money. And when commuters use the train rather than drive to work alone in their cars, local traffic is reduced and the air stays a little cleaner."
"Improving our transportation infrastructure is one of the best investments that we can make in a stronger economic future. The Branford train station is an important part of that future, and I know all of Branford is glad to see it up and running at full capacity," State Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. (D-Branford) said. "Easy access to railways helps Branford residents commute to work and attracts visitors to our town so that they can visit our many local restaurants and businesses. I have been working with the First Selectman and the state Department of Transportation to ensure that town residents stay up-to-date as this project progressed, and am happy we could be here today to announce its completion."
State Representative Lonnie Reed (D-Branford) said, "As a longtime commuter to New York, I remember when the Branford train stop was a sad little shed that you apologized for when colleagues came to visit. Now, our appealing village station is an economic driver and an inviting gateway to a vibrant local economy promising opportunity and fun. Thank you to the Governor, the DOT and the workforce who helped make it happen."
"It's an exciting day for Branford to finally have a completed train station that will safely and effectively serve residents and visitors for years to come," State Representative Sean Scanlon (D-Branford, Guilford) said. "This area of town is on the rise and the new and improved station coupled with a recent state grant to boost transit oriented development is just what we need to help the town continue making progress when it comes to economic development in Branford."
The same project also included extending the northbound platform at the Guilford Shore Line East station, the next station north of Branford.
In addition to Branford, there are Shore Line East stations at State Street in New Haven and in Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Westbrook, Old Saybrook, and New London. Connections to Metro-North's New Haven Line and Amtrak are available at New Haven's Union Station. More information on the rail line is available at www.shorelineeast.com.
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