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10/30/2016 04:11 PMOOct. 28, Governor Malloy and officials from Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) joined with local dignitaries to celebrate the completion and pending opening of the northbound side of Branford’s railroad station. Trains will start using the new platform beginning Saturday, Nov. 5.
The biggest benefit of the new improvement will be additional stops in Branford for Shoreline East commuter trains, making it easier for commuters to catch a ride on the rails. Shoreline East also connects commuters with Union Station in New Haven, where many continue their commute on Metro North and Amtrak trains.
The northbound side of the station includes entrances to the newly constructed “up and over” commuter depot, with stairs and elevators leading to an elevated enclosed pedestrian bridge connecting to the southbound platform; a “Kiss-and-Ride” drop off/pick-up traffic loop entered via Kirkham Street, stair access from the platform to a Maple Street crosswalk and stairs leading to a new overflow parking lot on nearby Meadow Street.
“This station is a recognized asset for the town, and for the citizens that use it on a daily basis, (and) the potential that this will bring to this area,” said First Selectman James B. Cosgrove. “We have seen in recent years some redevelopment in this area, and we’re hopeful to see some future redevelopment in this area; and this train station is an integral part for that redevelopment.”
The station is across the way from Anchor Reef and the Mill luxury housing and the wildly successfully Stony Creek Brewery, which opened with brand new construction on the site of the former Malleable Iron Foundry in 2015. The brewery continues to draw big crowds to the area, which also includes Nellie Green’s Restaurant and the seasonal Lobster Shack. Also within walking distance is the former Atlantic Wire factory, located on more than seven acres of riverside land that has been approved for transit-oriented Atlantic Wharf residential and commercial complex. The station is also within walking distance of Branford’s Fourth Ward shopping and restaurants on Main Street.
Governor Dannel P. Malloy joined Cosgrove, State Representatives Lonnie Reed (D- District 102), Sean Scanlon (D- District 98), State Senator Ted Kennedy Jr. (D- District 12) and CT DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker at the new northside platform on Oct. 28. Malloy thanked local and state leaders for supporting the Branford project.
“It’s a great town and we’re doing our part, I think, to make it an even greater town with the investments along this line,” said Malloy, adding the Branford station is, “...a vital link on the Shoreline East corridor.”
Redeker said Branford station’s earlier Maple Street parking lot expansion and station improvements to the southbound side, combined with this further expansion on the northbound side, will not only continue to support the local economy but now opens up the station to more accessibility and train service. Shoreline East transports nearly 3,000 commuters daily.
Malloy said he has been working since his first day as governor to roll back 40 years of the state’s “lack of investment in transportation.”
“Improvements like these and others up (will) make it more enticing for commuters to get out of their cars and use the train,” said Malloy, adding, ”...a strong transportation is system is needed for Connecticut to have strong economy.”
The governor said the improvements to the Branford station and other stations will also “...attract businesses, grow jobs and help move Connecticut into the future.”