The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and the City of Pawtucket will hold an informational meeting on Thursday, June 13, 2013, to discuss a potential commuter rail project in Pawtucket. RIDOT and City representatives will be on hand to answer questions and gather input from the public on this project.
WHAT: RIDOT and the City of Pawtucket are analyzing the feasibility and environmental impacts of a potential station in the vicinity of Dexter Street, located along Amtrak's Northeast Corridor and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) Providence line. Two locations are currently under review. Site maps and other information will be on display.
WHEN: Thursday, June 13, 2013. An open house will be held at 6 p.m., followed by a presentation at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Blackstone Valley Visitor Center, 175 Main St., Pawtucket.
DIRECTIONS: From I-95 North, take Exit 28 (School St.) and turn left at the bottom of the ramp and turn right at the second traffic signal. The Visitor Center is on the left. From I-95 South, take Exit 27 (George St./Downtown) and turn right onto George St. Bear right onto Park Place and turn right onto Main Street. The Visitor Center will be on your left. Those using public transportation can take one of several buses to the nearby Pawtucket Transit Center. For schedule and route information, visit www.ripta.com.
BACKGROUND: In 2007, the City of Pawtucket completed an initial feasibility study for a commuter rail stop in the cities of Pawtucket and Central Falls. RIDOT is working closely with both cities on the project, which has the potential to spur economic development in this region of the state. The study is being funded by more than $2 million in federal, state and city funds. Depending on the outcome of this phase, and funding availability, the preferred site could be advanced to the next phase of design and be used to assess a potential station's impact on several areas, including existing MBTA and Amtrak services.
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