Transportation 2035 - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

December 2012PAWTUCKETThe City of Pawtucket, through the use of federal and state funding, completed a commuter rail feasibility study in 2007. As part of that study, it wasconfirmed that Amtrak, the Northeast Corridor owner, required side tracks outside of its two main line tracks at new station stops to load and unloadpassengers. Because the existing train depot could not accommodate the necessary new sidings without extensive property acquisition and relocation, it wasdetermined that reopening the historic station was not be feasible. The study then evaluated a second site as a potential station location. This site, an existingfreight yard, had limited access and required the relocation of the operating freight yard, therefore, this site was eliminated from consideration as well. TheCity then undertook an analysis of a third site located along the Northeast Corridor opposite the existing freight yard. This site, the preferred station location,offers improved pedestrian and vehicular access, an area for parking, and the potential of utilizing the existing Freight Rail Improvement Project (FRIP) track asa siding for commuter trains.The City of Pawtucket has estimated that it will cost approximately $53 million in capital investment to construct the station and the required site and trackenhancements required by Amtrak at the preferred location. RIDOT, in partnership with the City of Pawtucket, will use $2 million in FTA appropriations for thenext phase of station development, environmental assessment and preliminary engineering, at the preferred site. RIDOT will manage the overall project whilethe City will provide the local match for the FTA funding. As part of the study, the environmental, operational and infrastructure impacts of constructing acommuter rail station along a high speed rail line will be evaluated in more detail and the capital cost estimates for construction will be further refined.KINGSTON AND WESTERLYKingston Station achieved ADA compliance by Amtrak through construction of a pedestrian overpass with elevators and other passenger amenities. In additionto South County Commuter Rail service, there is a possibility of extended service in Westerly from Connecticut along the Shoreline East.CRANSTON, EAST GREENWICH, AND WEST DAVISVILLECommuter rail in Cranston, East Greenwich and West Davisville will require further planning studies to determine the feasibility of rail service, including sitelocation of potential stations, environmental impacts, and potential rail operations.Transportation 2035 (2012 Update)State Guide Plan Element 611Rhode Island Statewide Planning ProgramPage 3-7