Public Hearing Set For Railroad Project

The Town of Berlin Public Works and Economic Development Departments have proposed a project for the rehabilitating the existing Amtrak train station and making improvements to the train station site owned by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. 

The project is in the preliminary design phase and may be recommended for construction under the Transportation Enhancement Program administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation.  The project will be designed by Michael Baker Engineering, Inc. under contract to the Town of Berlin. 

It is the Town's and State's policy to keep people informed and involved when such projects are undertaken.  It is important that the community share its concerns to assist in the project's development. 

The Town will conduct an informational meeting on Jan. 24, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 240 Kensington Road to describe the scope of the planned improvements.  The planned project involves rehabilitating the train station to restore its historical character and structural integrity, and performing site improvements including repaving, landscaping and site lighting.

The proposed improvements are as described in Option 1A of the Berlin Train Station Enhancement Project, in the report titled, “Phase 1A Condition Assessment, Preliminary Station and Site Design”, August 2010, prepared by Michael Baker Engineering, Inc. This report is available for public review in Room 8 of Berlin Town Hall, 240 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT. The project was initiated by the Town of Berlin to improve the aesthetics and function of the train station which is a major gateway to the community. 

Based upon a preliminary assessment, the total project construction costs will be approximately $1,800,000.  It is anticipated that the Federal Highway Administration will provide 80% of the cost with the Town providing 20% through Small Town Economic Assistance Grants received from the State of Connecticut

Anyone interested in obtaining further information, or providing input, may do so by contacting Jim Mahoney, Economic Development Director or Arthur Simonian, P.E., Town Engineer at the Town of Berlin, 240 Kensington Rd., Room 8, Berlin, CT  06037.