Governor Lincoln D. Chafee, members of the Congressional delegation, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will gather at the construction site of Wickford Junction Train Station in North Kingstown tomorrow, Friday, May 6 at 2 p.m. to celebrate National Train Day.
Speakers will include Governor Chafee, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis, and RIPTA CEO Charles Odimgbe. Speakers will talk about the growing importance of commuter rail in Rhode Island and give a status update on the Wickford Junction Train Station project.
The Wickford Junction Train Station will expand Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter rail service south from Providence and Warwick to North Kingstown. An 800-foot train platform, a 1,100-space on-site parking garage, and new access off of Ten Rod Road (Route 102) are part of a design-build contract with Manafort Brothers, Inc. Amtrak is providing $7 million worth of track and signal work. The project is expected to be completed in early 2012.
--30--
Contact: Dana Alexander Nolfe 401-222-1362 x4450
DIRECTIONS: Take I-95 South to Route 4 South to Exit 5A Wickford. Continue south on Route 102 through four traffic signals. The construction site will be on your left. Enter through the opening in the gate and park in the designated area.
ATTIRE: As this is an active work zone, flat closed-toe shoes are recommended.