DOT Schedules Info Meeting on Upgrades to Bethel Train Station

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) is holding a Public Informational Meeting on the proposed expansion of the Bethel Rail Station parking lot on Thursday, Sept. 4, in the Municipal Center

An open forum with DOT officials will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a formal presentation at 7 p.m.

The purpose of the project is to accommodate parking demand due to increased ridership on the Metro North Danbury branch. Increasing the number of parking spaces will allow for easier access to train service for the community.

The parking lot will be expanded on the north side of the existing parking lot. Additional improvements include milling and overlaying the existing parking lot, new sidewalk ramps and landscaped islands and modification of the drainage and lighting. Eight accessible parking spaces will be added immediately adjacent to the station. A pedestrian pick up/drop off area will be located in front of the station for vehicles as well as buses.

A new sidewalk will be installed along Durant Ave. to close the gap between the existing sidewalk at the train station and the adjacent property to the north.

Temporary rights to grade and construct sidewalk will be required from the adjacent property to the north to install the proposed sidewalk.

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2016 based on the availability of funding. The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $2 million, to be undertaken with state funds.

The Public Informational Meeting is being held to afford a full opportunity for public participation and to allow open discussion of any views and comments the community may have concerning this proposed project.

Plans of the proposed project will be on display for public review but more detailed information is available at the DOT’s Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Connecticut, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., excluding holidays.

Anyone wishing to discuss the project may contact Susan Libatique at 860-594-3179 or by email at Susan.Libatique@ct.gov. Plans are also available for review at the Bethel Town Clerk’s Office.

Based off a release from the Connecticut Department of Transportation.