The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently held an open meeting on their plans for the Downingtown Train Station Project. Let’s take a look at the information presented at the meeting.
PennDOT describes the purpose of the station project as a way “to provide an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant train station in the Borough of Downingtown.”
This massive project is needed, as the current station is currently inaccessible for ADA standards. Furthermore, passenger accommodations are lacking. Multimodal connections to Downingtown will further economic growth and prosperity for the borough.
The existing station will be relocated where the Keystone Corridor crosses US Route 22 at Brandywine Avenue. This was selected for its straight track; a rarity in Downingtown.
The proposed station renderings showcase a beautiful brick building, spacious parking lot, improved traffic flow, and impressive, raised train platform.
Aesthetic treatment options that are being considered are canon bond block (cobblestone), sill stone (outback), and sill stone (dune). PennDOT is looking at landscaping options, including American Holly and Eastern Red Oak.
The anticipated project timeline is as follows:
Station/Bridge Design: 2023 – mid 2025
Highway/Bridge Replacement: Boot Road Construction: 2024 – 2026
Early Action Work: 2025 – 2026
Station/Bridge Construction: 2026 – 2029.
A vehicular detour route has been proposed for the upcoming 2025 construction. This construction includes removal of crossovers, wire, and PECO/Comcast utility relocation.
The proposed Downingtown Station and US 322 Bridge Project has a 3-year construction duration with construction expected to begin in 2026.
More information at Advancing PA Rail and Downingtown Borough.
