Several people have asked about the train service we have in this area, and I thought I’d explain what’s going on.
First off, we’re getting a new train station—yay! Ever since I’ve been living in this town, our train station has been a concrete platform reminiscent of the ones they use to load pigs and cows into a boxcar. Although the station has a small shelter, there’s no roof over the area next to the train. Only one set of doors “platforms” at the station, so when you’re on an eight-car Amtrak train, you have a lot of walking to do when boarding and exiting. Also, the existing platform is low-level, meaning you have to climb an awkward set of stairs to get into the car.
The new station will have a 500-foot (152m) long, partially covered, high-level platform. I am looking forward to boarding a train there when it opens, which might be next month.
Although I will check out the new train station, I may not ride the train for a while. The State of Connecticut introduced CT Rail, and The Hartford Line about five years ago, serving the towns between New Haven, CT and Springfield, MA. This added 8 to 10 trains each day in both directions. This quickly became a problem because the 57 miles (92 km) of rail between those stations frequently narrows to only one track. They are currently working to “double-track” the entire length of the line, but this effort leads to delays and I often receive an alert that:
“Due to construction activity, most CT Rail trains between New Haven, CT and Springfield, MA Will be replaced with bus service.”
Amtrak for One-Liner Wednesday by Linda G. Hill
Riding a train is so far apart from riding a bus on the transit spectrum that I can’t think of a good analogy.
I’m not sure how long the project will last, but when they get to our town, it’s going to be quite a mess. The railroad track runs between Main Street and the Windsor Locks Canal. There’s not much room to spare. Back in the 1960s there was a double track but in the infinite wisdom of the Urban Renewal crew, wider roads won out over train travel.
In order to squeeze a second set of tracks in there, those utility poles have to move to the other side of Main Street. That’s not going to be easy. Stay tuned.
If you like the featured image, be sure to check out the video. My wife took that picture and the video. She always talks to the bunny. She said, “…just getting some video for River” just before the bunny looks up. The bunny hears the word “River” a lot.
This is where I would normally put one of the promotional videos for Poetic Justice, but I trust that you remember that our book is still for sale. So, you get a break today.
No Facilities 
Add your thoughts or join the discussion. One relevant link is OK, more require moderation.