Jan 14, 2011 By Patty Yauger 4 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – A nearly completed Amtrak train station that will begin greeting those visiting or departing the city within the next month, is being touted as another piece of the city’s revitalization puzzle.

In November, work began at the Water Street location to replace the antiquated glass and aluminum waiting station constructed in the 1970s with a “retro-style” station and platform for those awaiting the arrival of the train service.

According to an Amtrak spokeswoman, the $1.25 million station is to be completed by mid-February.

The new station will offer a heated interior with benches and exterior seating. Also a 550-foot platform and paved parking lot will be constructed.

In 2010, more than 4,750 riders boarded or disembarked the Capitol Limited train at Connellsville, according to Amtrak statistics.

The Capitol Limited travels between Washington, D.C., and Chicago with stops in Connellsville and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania.

“The new station will definitely be an asset to Connellsville,” said Michael Edwards, Connellsville Redevelopment Authority executive director.

The investment by Amtrak to improve the station has drawn interest from a British Columbia developer that follows the railway service to determine hotel development potential, Edwards added.

“He has ask to join us at any ribbon-cutting ceremony once the station is complete and for a wish list of things we would like to see happen in the downtown,” said Edwards. “Typically, developers first look for hospitality potential and then continue to do further development.”

Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) spokesman and senior project manager Brad Clemenson said that the organization along with other groups are working with Amtrak to also develop a bicycle roll-on/roll-off service for those wishing to access the Great Allegheny Passage in Connellsville.

“We’re pleased to see the new station moving forward so quickly,” he said. “There’s no question it’s an improvement for the people who use the train and will make passenger rail travel more attractive to people who live in the area or come here.”

Connellsville’s historic downtown and the variety of attractions in the Laurel Highlands with access from the trail are worthy destinations for those seeking adventure or sightseeing, said Clemenson, and utilizing the rail service is the perfect way to travel for a short vacation.

“(Should the bicycle service be implemented) people would be able to take the train from Pittsburgh and bike back from Connellsville, or take the train to Cumberland, peddle to Connellsville and take the train home,” said Clemenson. “Either would be a wonderful weekend getaway.”

Elisa Mayes, Trail Town Outreach Corps project leader, said that Connellsville is in a unique location because of its rail service and access to the Great Allegheny Passage.

“For users of the Great Allegheny Passage logistics is the biggest challenge,” she said. “If you ride one way how are you going to get back?

“The train offers an inviting option and we are optimistic that the roll-on/roll-off bike service, although initially limited to only a few bicycles, will be available this summer.”

Since 2007, the trail town program, funded by The Progress Fund, has worked with Connellsville and five other Pennsylvania communities along the Great Allegheny Passage to aid in economic development and community revitalization. In 2009, the program expanded into Maryland.

According to The Progress Fund statistics, since 2007, there’s been an overall increase of 54 new and expanded trail-serving businesses that are now available to the approximate 700,000 trail users.

In Connellsville, said Mayes, the organization is working with city leaders and the Yough River Trail Council to develop two bike loops that connect the city’s portion of the trail with city neighborhoods, the downtown business district and the new Amtrak passenger station.

The new station, like the recently installed artwork at the trail’s entrance and exit, provides a more welcoming site for visitors, she added.

“Connellsville is the perfect stop for a weekend trip,” said Mayes. “I’m excited to see the first passengers get off at the new train station, get their bicycle and then ride through the downtown on the bike loop.”