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Hopkinton council backs resolution supporting feasibility study and upgrades at Westerly (Wesley) train station

2737291 · March 2, 2025

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Summary

The council approved a resolution supporting study and potential infrastructure improvements — including high-level platforms — at Westerly (Wesley) Station to improve safety, accessibility and enable potential Shore Line East commuter-rail extension.

The Hopkinton Town Council voted Feb. 3, 2025, to send a resolution supporting Amtrak, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), and related agencies in studying and pursuing infrastructure improvements at Westerly (Wesley) Train Station, including high-level platforms that proponents say would improve safety, accessibility and could be a prerequisite for extending Shore Line East commuter rail service to Westerly.

The resolution cites the Northeast Corridor Commission’s FY25–29 capital-investment plan and Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) studies that identify high-level platforms as necessary for certain commuter-rail extensions. Councilors who spoke in favor said the resolution supports efforts to improve station accessibility and regional transit connections while clarifying it does not endorse any high-speed alignment through private properties.

A motion to send the resolution and copies to federal and state elected officials, RIDOT, and Amtrak officials passed on a roll call. Councilors recorded unanimous support among those voting; the resolution will be transmitted to US senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, US Rep. Seth Magaziner, state legislators, RIDOT director and Amtrak planning officials as listed in the resolution text.