An artist’s rendering of the improvements for the Exton train station.
State Sen. Andy Dinniman announced today that construction is set to begin this summer on a project to expand the Exton Train Station.
“Exton Station will be the first of five rail stations in our region that will experience major improvements going forward,” Dinniman said. “For those who use the Exton Station this means there will soon be an actual ticket office, an enclosed and heated building to wait for the train and perhaps most importantly, more parking.”
The project will include the construction of station building on the inbound (eastbound) side with a ticket office, waiting area and restrooms. In addition, the project calls for new, raised platforms making the train accessible for those with disabilities, as well as new and improved sidewalks, ramps, bike racks, a new waiting canopy and glass shelter on the outbound (westbound) side, reconfigured parking and a lot expansion that will provide spaces for 40 more cars.
Bids will open next week (March 27) and the work schedule for the Exton project is as follows:
July 2015 – parking expansion and site work begins.
May 2016 – inbound station platform installation begins.
December 2016 – installation of station building begins.
April 2017 – installation of outbound station platform begins.
December 2017 – basic project completion.
Dininiman noted that construction on the Exton Station was accelerated in part due to a federal judge’s ruling on an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lawsuit.
He also said that that while the start of construction marks a major step forward for the Exton Train Station, there are a number of related issues that must be resolved.
“For instance, Exton Station is meant to be a transportation hub and yet there aren’t plans for bus service to actually go into the station. Passengers will have to walk along the entrance of the Route 30 bypass to get to the train,” Dinniman said. “That is not only incredibly inconvenient; it’s downright dangerous.”
Dinniman also said he is working to restore Sunday SEPTA service, which currently ends at Malvern, to the Exton Station.
“Five years ago, millions in federal funding helped us increase service and make traffic and signal improvements that more than doubled ridership on the Keystone Line,” Dinniman said. “Today, I continue to work with my fellow state legislators and local officials to implement major improvements at the Paoli, Exton, Downingtown, Coatesville and Parkesburg train stations. Success has been the result of endless hours of advocacy, planning and effort, but there is still work to be done. Now, it’s time for everybody to get aboard the train and work together to take advantage of this golden opportunity.”
