Westerly's train station upgrades progress with community support

Westerly, Rhode Island, is making progress towards upgrading its train station. On March 9, an Amtrak train stopped at Westerly Station, where passengers struggled to board due to a platform that is not level with the train cars. This issue is especially difficult for travelers with luggage, older adults, or parents with strollers. Local advocates, including Alex Berardo, are pushing for improvements to the station. They hope these upgrades will attract expanded rail services, including an extension of Connecticut's Shore Line East commuter rail and more service from Amtrak, which currently stops in Westerly five times a day. The conversation about enhancements for Westerly Station has been ongoing for many years, with numerous proposals made since the mid-1990s. Recent momentum has been fueled by a 2023 feasibility study by Connecticut, which explored extending Shore Line East to Westerly. Senator Victoria Gu has started a petition that has gathered over 600 signatures, urging state leaders to take action. Key to any improvements is raising the station's curved platform by 48 inches to match the height of commuter and Amtrak trains. This project is estimated to cost around $16 million. There is a notable demand for better rail service; Westerly had a record ridership of over 59,000 last year, indicating a strong need for more train options. Many residents commute by car to jobs in Connecticut, particularly to Electric Boat’s facilities, prompting calls for commuter rail service to reduce parking issues. The Connecticut study suggests that adding rail services could also lower greenhouse gas emissions. However, plans are complicated by differing priorities among stakeholders, including state transportation departments. While Amtrak has shown interest in the upgrades, progress is slow. Initial design work for the station has been pushed to 2026, with the complete process expected to take several more years. Advocates remain hopeful, emphasizing that increased demand will support the need for improved infrastructure.