Hopkinton Town Council supports high level platform project at Westerly Station
March 02, 2025 | Hopkinton, Washington County, Rhode Island
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During the recent Hopkinton Town Council meeting, significant discussions centered around the support for infrastructure improvements at the Westerly Train Station. The council acknowledged the Northeast Corridor Commission's fiscal year 2025-2029 capital investment plan, which includes a project aimed at replacing the station's platforms to enhance rail service.
The proposed project focuses on the feasibility of installing high-level platforms at the Westerly Train Station. These improvements are expected to boost efficiency, safety, and accessibility for both rail passengers and employees. The council highlighted that high-level platforms are essential for extending the Shoreline East commuter rail service through Groton and Stonington to Westerly, as identified in the Connecticut Department of Transportation's Eastern Connecticut Corridor Rail and Transit Feasibility Study.
Furthermore, the Town of Hopkinton's 2016 comprehensive plan recognizes the importance of Westerly Station as a vital transportation hub for local residents. The council emphasized that improving rail service is crucial for connecting workers to growing employment centers, which can help alleviate roadway traffic congestion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide affordable transportation options.
In a resolution passed during the meeting, the Hopkinton Town Council expressed its support for the collaborative efforts of Amtrak, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, and the Town of Westerly in pursuing these necessary infrastructure improvements. The resolution will be sent to various state and federal representatives, including U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner, among others.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to enhancing public transportation in the region, aiming to create a more sustainable and accessible transit system for the community. The council's support signals a proactive approach to addressing transportation needs and fostering economic growth through improved rail connectivity.
The proposed project focuses on the feasibility of installing high-level platforms at the Westerly Train Station. These improvements are expected to boost efficiency, safety, and accessibility for both rail passengers and employees. The council highlighted that high-level platforms are essential for extending the Shoreline East commuter rail service through Groton and Stonington to Westerly, as identified in the Connecticut Department of Transportation's Eastern Connecticut Corridor Rail and Transit Feasibility Study.
Furthermore, the Town of Hopkinton's 2016 comprehensive plan recognizes the importance of Westerly Station as a vital transportation hub for local residents. The council emphasized that improving rail service is crucial for connecting workers to growing employment centers, which can help alleviate roadway traffic congestion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide affordable transportation options.
In a resolution passed during the meeting, the Hopkinton Town Council expressed its support for the collaborative efforts of Amtrak, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, and the Town of Westerly in pursuing these necessary infrastructure improvements. The resolution will be sent to various state and federal representatives, including U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner, among others.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to enhancing public transportation in the region, aiming to create a more sustainable and accessible transit system for the community. The council's support signals a proactive approach to addressing transportation needs and fostering economic growth through improved rail connectivity.
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