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Last in Line, Clinton Fighting for Train Station Upgrades

While many town residents were looking forward to a long-awaited renovation and expansion of Clinton’s train station getting underway in March, it may be too soon to celebrate. The project, which would bring to the Clinton station upgrades that other shoreline stations have enjoyed for more than a decade, have been put on hold indefinitely due to cuts to the fund that finances the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT).

In October 2017, DOT officials came to town to outline the planned upgrades to the station: high-level boarding (which eliminates the need to step up to enter the train), improvements to the passenger waiting area including shelters and elevators, improved passenger information systems, energy-efficient lighting, emergency phones, security cameras, a covered bike storage area, and additional parking.

Perhaps most significantly, the project featured an “up-and-over” structure, which would have allowed for easy movement to both sides of the tracks, providing access the now-empty Unilever building that has been seen as a major boost to redeveloping the site. The renovation would also provide an additional 21 parking bays, bringing the onsite total to 141 spaces.

The upgrades to the train station were considered by many residents to be a key component of plans to revitalizing Clinton’s downtown.

In a press release dated Jan. 10, Governor Dannel Malloy stated that “a full list of [DOT] projects totaling $4.3 billion...are postponed indefinitely until new revenue is appropriated for the Special Transportation Fund (STF).” According to the release, the Malloy administration will announce detailed proposals this month that, if adopted by the General Assembly, would bring the projects back online.

The train station upgrades were to cost $18 million and be paid for by the state. The project was slated to being in March 2018 and be finished by the end of 2019. Other stations along the Shoreline East route have received a second round of upgrades at their stations before Clinton was able to receive its first.

First Selectman Christine Goupil said suggested that the next step in the process was for people to contact legislators and voice their concerns.

“Proponents of public transportation and rail must contact our legislators. Let them know this is a top priority for Clinton and the shoreline,” Goupil said. “Our transportation infrastructure directly impacts economic development both locally and on a state level.

“Without the renovations to allow for the overpass, [the] Clinton station’s timetables will be limited. It will severely affect the commuters who rely upon public transportation options and put additional stress on an already congested Route 1 and I-95. Cutbacks contradict the creation of the right type of investment in areas of existing infrastructure to stimulating long-term competitiveness.”

Goupil said she had been aware since “mid-December” that there could be cuts to the STF. On Dec. 28, Goupil sent letters to DOT Commissioner James Redeker, State Senator Art Linares (R-33), Connecticut Office of Policy and Management Secretary Benjamin Barnes, Secretary of the State Denise Merril, and State Representative Jesse MacLachlan (R-35). The letters in part said “Connecticut’s investment in the Clinton train station and continued commitment to supporting TOD (Transit Oriented Development) should be unassailable priorities. We certainly recognize the significant fiscal challenges faced by the state and know that resources are scarce. This is all the more reason to focus our existing ability to invest in those areas with the most significant ‘bang for the buck.’ Completing the chain of train station improvements along Shore Line East and contributing to the future of TOD in one of the shoreline’s linchpin communities should be one of these investments. We strongly urge your help in the fight to protect this project’s funding and complete the work that has been long-delayed.”

A copy of the letter can be found with this story at Zip06.com.