Newport Train Station Feasibility Study. New Castle County, Delaware.
WRA conducted a planning study for the Wilmington Area Planning Council. An Advisory Committee and the public articulated a vision for downtown Newport and identified opportunities and constraints for station development through a walking audit. WRA prepared a ridership forecast using Federal Transit Administration criteria to estimate overall ridership and mode split for station arrivals. Based on this information and coordination with rail owners and operators (Amtrak, SEPTA, and Norfolk Southern), WRA developed station concepts and developed off-site improvement alternatives. In addition to station-specific issues, the final report and implementation plan featured TOD concepts, including an initial evaluation of the market for development/redevelopment in downtown Newport, as well as policies to implement the station and TOD recommendations.
Services Performed
Project Highlights
Transit
WRA developed station concepts including track and catenary modifications, a high-level platform, a series of small parking lots, and ADA-compliant pedestrian routes. Off-site improvements consisted of bus stop location adjustments, enhanced crosswalks, sidewalk and streetscape improvements, lighting, and wayfinding.
Planning
WILMAPCO and WRA worked together on a robust public engagement program. An Advisory Committee provided critical guidance throughout the project, including participation in an on-site walking audit. Three public workshops also provided an important opportunity for community input.