Branford Train Station Makeover on Maple Street Right on Schedule

BRANFORD >> Commuters and visitors soon will see the fruits of labor at the train station on Maple Street as the makeover to increase traveler convenience moves closer to completion.

Contractors are working alongside the state Department of Transportation to build a station intended to make commuting safe and easy.

Construction started on the foundation last winter. Now, developers are beginning to install a pedestrian skywalk that will connect two soon-to-be-built 38-foot elevator towers. The structure is intended to ensure safe train access for commuters in any direction.

“Right now, it’s set up so it’s more convenient (for commuters) to travel northbound than it is to travel southbound,” said Aldo Addario, coordinating superintendent with Rizzo Corp., the construction company handling the project.

Addario said the renovations to the station will change the system by building two platforms and accompanying stations, which will accommodate traffic from both directions. He said one of the original shelters was demolished, but developers chose to convert the other to a bike stand.

While construction is underway, passers-by can only see exposed steel and a concrete foundation at the site, but Addario said the project will be a win for the town once the station is completed.

“These (stations) are getting more and more convenient so that the commuter can get on the train from either side,” he said. “What it does is bring more people to this town for restaurants and attractions.”

With the addition of the commuter overpass and the added convenience for cyclists, Addario said he thinks residents will also benefit from the made-over station.

“It’ll get rid of car traffic and add commuter traffic,” he said. “And it’s worth (the travel) because it’s not much more expensive.”

Addario said his company has been working with the state to finish the design that was created by the DOT last year.

Addario and DOT coordinating engineer Mark Fullerton have marking the progress of the project. Addario said because his company has been keeping to its schedule, the project should be completed by next summer.

A great deal of the construction needed to be done at night, Addario said, because the work requires the power to be shut off on both tracks.

“We are out there every day, and things are on schedule,” he said. “It’s up to the DOT when it’s going to be done, though.”

There are as many as 30 construction workers on-site daily, Addario said, noting that the project wouldn’t be possible if not for the two fully staffed offices working behind the scenes.

“I think everyone is happy with the job that we’re doing,” Addario said. “Between Rizzo Corp. and the DOT representative it’s a good combination and we’re right on track with everything.”

To stay in line with the next phase of construction, Addario said he and Rizzo project manager Ken Hunt will be overseeing installation of the platforms Sunday. The group will take on the elevator towers soon after.

A call placed to a DOT spokesman for comment and was not immediately returned.