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Bridgeport Seeks Public Input On Proposed Second Train Station

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- A public hearing will be held Tuesday on a new Metro-North commuter rail station planned in Bridgeport.

An artist's rendering of the proposed Barnum Station on the East Side of Bridgeport.

An artist's rendering of the proposed Barnum Station on the East Side of Bridgeport.

Photo Credit: Gov. Dannel Malloy's office

The Barnum Station is a planned new station to be located along the Metro-North New Haven Line in East Bridgeport. The station is being designed with the hope that it will enhance regional access to and from East Bridgeport and support the revitalization of the East Side, Mill Hill and East End neighborhoods.

Related: Connecticut Looks To Add Another Train Station In Bridgeport

In 2013 the city undertook a feasibility study to see if the construction and operation of a second train station in East Bridgeport would be physically possible and compatible with the existing rail service. The study also focused on redevelopment opportunities in the area of the proposed station. The study concluded that it is feasible to build a station on the south side of Barnum Avenue on the site of the former Remington Arms factory, and that it could be a potential catalyst for redevelopment and revitalization in East Bridgeport.

In 2014 the state Bond Commission authorized $2.75 million for preliminary planning and design of the station. In 2015, the Connecticut Department of Transportation secured $10 million in federal TIGER grants to build the station.

The project is currently in the design phase to develop conceptual engineering and environmental documentation. It is being led by the city of Bridgeport, along with the Connecticut DOT, Metro-North, Greater Bridgeport Transit, MetroCOG, the Regional Plan Association and major local employers. The city has contracted with the consulting firm VHB for the conceptual design and environmental documentation work.

The DOT has prepared an Environmental Impact Evaluation, which can be accessed by clicking here. A public hearing on the EIE will be held Tuesday at the Great Oaks Charter School, 510 Barnum Ave.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. for review of displays, with technical staff on hand to answer questions. A formal presentation highlighting the project and the findings of the EIE will start at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend the meeting and provide comments. In the event of heavy snow, the meeting will be held Feb. 14.

Written comments on the EIE should be sent by Feb. 21 to: Mark W. Alexander, Transportation Assistant Planning Director, Connecticut Department of Transportation, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131.

The Environmental Impact Evaluation may be accessed by clicking here.

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