Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
STREETSCAPE PROJECT TO START THIS SUMMER
Final contract approved for Third Avenue Streetscape project; train station improvements are in design stage
COATESVILLE » State Sen. Andy Dinniman, D-19, announced Monday that a final contract for the Third Avenue Streetscape project has been executed. According to PennDOT, a groundbreaking on the first phase of revitalization work related to the new Coatesville Train Station is expected to begin in late July, with an estimated completion date within one year.
“This announcement represents years of discussions, design plans, and coordination between PennDOT and local and state leaders. With this groundbreaking, exciting and concrete progress will begin in full, and progress won’t stop until the Coatesville community has a modern, state of the art train station,” said Dinniman, who serves on the Senate Transportation Committee.
The winning bid for the Streetscape project was granted to Marino Corporation of Skippack, Montgomery County at a cost of $1.37 million. This project aims to transform Third Avenue as a gateway into the city from the new train station, and includes the repaving of Third Avenue and the installation of sidewalk amenities, including Americans with Disabil-
ities Act (ADA) accessibility improvements from Lincoln Highway to Fleetwood Street.
In addition, Dinniman said the design work on the realignment of the station’s location on Fleetwood Street is ongoing, but the preliminary design work is complete. These designs include plans for commuter and bus access and a review of conceptual designs offering transit-oriented development projects related to the new train station.
“The significance of this announcement should not be understated,” said Dinniman. “The Coatesville community has been extremely patient waiting for this work to begin, and the Third Avenue Streetscape project truly marks the start of Coatesville’s revitalization. Further, this funding demonstrates the continued commitment of PennDOT and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to make Coatesville a central stop between Harrisburg to Philadelphia.”
The Coatesville Train Station project represents one of five significant station improvement projects along the Keystone Line in Chester County.
Exton
Work continues as scheduled on major improvements to the Exton Train Station. The project calls for raised platforms that meet current ADA regulations, the construction of a station building with ticket office, waiting areas and restrooms, as well as expanded parking.
Downingtown
With final purchase agreements expected within the coming weeks, a mixed use, transit-oriented development plan is expected to be unveiled by late summer. This project will involve the relocation of the Downingtown Train station from its current location to the site of the abandoned Sonoco Paper Mill (which will be demolished) and will include commuter-oriented housing and neighborhood style stores along the Brandywine Creek.
Paoli
Following a groundbreaking in early spring, work continues on significant upgrades and improvements, including a pedestrian overpass, new center high-level platform, elevators and ramps, improved parking, ADA accessibility improvements, and upgrades to the existing rail infrastructure.
Parkesburg
At Dinniman’s request, PennDOT has advanced conceptual design plans and has committed $3.5 million for immediate improvements and upgrades to the station, approach ways, and parking facilities at this site. Upon completion of initial plans, a public meeting will be held in Parkesburg to solicit feedback from the community. In addition, design work on the West Bridge is undergoing final approvals through various regulatory agencies, with full approval anticipated shortly.
“For far too long, our stations along the Keystone Corridor have not received the attention they deserve. I am happy to report that in addition to ongoing improvements in Paoli and Exton, visible progress for those stations in Downingtown, Parkesburg, and Coatesville are finally becoming a reality,” said Dinniman. “In a relatively short period of time, our train stations will be models for quality rail infrastructure. These improvements are key catalysts for regional revitalization and will ensure that Chester County continues to lead the way down the track of progress.”