(The following story by Amy Renczkowski appeared on The Day website on June 17, 2009.)
EAST LYME, Conn. — At an informational meeting Tuesday at Camp Rell in Niantic, Amtrak representatives said they have learned from problems with past projects and pledged to communicate better with the public.
The meeting’s aim was to notify people of two major projects coming up: the replacement of the Niantic River Bridge and the concrete-tie program in the Northeast Corridor. Those projects, and other small improvements, such as the painting of the Thames River Bridge, are happening now through 2013.
”What we’re doing tonight and will keep doing is to allow you to express your concerns,” Amtrak Media Relations Manager Clifford Cole said. “We’re here to listen, here to talk and here to let you know what’s going on.”
Several times during the presentation, representatives from Amtrak apologized for the inconveniences residents of the Crescent Beach area have endured during past construction, saying they wanted to better communicate with residents who will be impacted by Amtrak’s projects.
The largest of Amtrak’s upcoming projects is the Niantic River Bridge replacement. Many of the questions by residents focused on the $105 million project, which will be funded by federal stimulus money. The two-track, electrified, bascule railroad bridge will be built south of the existing bridge. Amtrak will also replace a portion of the Niantic River Boardwalk that it will have to dismantle during construction.
Other questions included the impact the bridge replacement will have on boaters and railroad commuters, whether a tunnel could be put in to allow access to the beach, the possibility of a fishing pier and the likelihood of using a material for the boardwalk other than concrete, which has been proposed.
Cole said Amtrak is working on creating a Web site about the Niantic River Bridge replacement that will notify people about delays and the construction process itself.
State Rep. Ed Jutila, D-East Lyme, and Sen. Andrea Stillman, D-Waterford, asked Amtrak about its plan for bringing commuter rail service to New London. Representatives only said that there have been continuing discussions with the state Department of Transportation.