Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz joined Clinton First Selectwoman Christine Goupil and Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner Joe Giulietti June 18 for a ceremonial groundbreaking at the Clinton railroad station on Shore Line East (SLE) – the commuter train line between New Haven and New London.
The station is getting a new platform on the north side of the tracks, an “up-and-over” pedestrian bridge/elevator connecting both sides, a ramp to the new platform, a bike shelter and some additional parking. Once completed, the station will be fully ADA compliant.
“Shore Line East carries tens of thousands of commuters every month and we are working hard to update our stations and provide new amenities for rail riders,” said Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz. “If we want to get people out of their cars and onto public transportation, we have to provide facilities and equipment that are safe, clean and reliable.”
“We have committed more than 12 million dollars to this project in order to enhance the customer experience on Shore Line East,” said CTDOT Commissioner Giulietti. “Our customers have been extremely patient over the past year while we have performed a great deal of track work, and we appreciate their understanding.”
“We are thankful to the State of Connecticut for this investment in the Town of Clinton and our Shore Line East commuters,” said Clinton First Selectwoman Christine Goupil. “This expansion will reinvigorate economic development in our downtown while supporting a more healthy and vibrant community.”
There are currently 125 parking spaces on the existing south side lot. Another 21 spaces will be added on the north side, as well as a “kiss and ride” drop-off area. This $12.5 million project is being performed by Lawrence Brunoli Construction of Farmington, Connecticut. It should completed in January 2021.
Clinton is one of nine stops on Shore Line East. Others are New Haven (2 stations), Branford, Guilford, Madison, Westbrook, Old Saybrook and New London. In 2018, SLE carried almost 600,000 passengers, or about 50,000 a month.
