The new Claymont station is being constructed along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor (NEC), in New Castle county, Delaware, US.
The project, also known as the Claymont Regional Transportation Center (CRTC), involves the construction of a new railway station, which is expected to replace the existing station in Claymont. The new station is expected to commence operations in 2023.
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Claymont station location
The new station will be located to the north of the existing station, on a portion of the former Evraz Steel site in Claymont, Delaware. It will be integrated with the multi-purpose redevelopment of the former steel site.
The mixed-use property will feature office spaces, residential units, retail, and light-industrial uses.
Claymont station history and facilities
The existing Claymont railway station is an ageing station, served by South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA’s) Wilmington/Newark Regional Rail Line since 1991.
It is the northernmost station in Delaware and one of the largest park-and-ride stations on the SEPTA, with 450 spaces.
The station features low-level platforms, along with canted tracks that make it difficult for passengers to board and alight from a train.
A narrow pedestrian tunnel beneath the NEC is prone to flooding risks due to the high water table.
Train services at the station were suspended between 1982 and 1990 mainly due to funding issues. The Claymont station building was destroyed in a fire accident in the late 1980s. Operations were restarted in 1991.
The current Claymont station doesn’t meet the existing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. It also has inadequate parking lots and pedestrian lighting, and limited bike lockers.
Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO) and Claymont Renaissance Development Corporation (CRDC) conducted a comprehensive study in 2008 and recommended significant upgrades to the station infrastructure to reduce further passenger congestion.
New Claymont rail station details
The Claymont regional transportation centre will be a multi-modal transportation centre, whose design is inspired by the historical features of the Claymont area, including the project site.
The project development will include a new station building, with all passenger amenities constructed with high-quality materials. It will include a plaza with waiting and , restrooms, parking areas, landscaping, and public art.
The station will feature two 630ft (192.02m) high-level platforms with canopies. It is designed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Construction details
The new railway station will have better accessibility compared to the old station. A new roadway, with a bus loop and layover areas with recharging stations for electric buses, is being built from US 13 (Philadelphia Pike).
A new trail connection will be constructed to the I-495 pedestrian bridge. A covered pedestrian bridge with elevators and stairs is also being built over the NEC tracks.
The parking areas will include structured and surface parking to accommodate approximately 830 vehicles.
New auxiliary lanes, traffic signals, a roundabout, and sidewalks will also be constructed to improve access and reduce congestion.
The project will provide provisions for future transit-oriented development (TOD) in the remaining portion of the site.
Financing details
The project is estimated to involve an investment of $71m. It is sponsored by the Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) and Amtrak.
The US Department of Transportation provided grants worth $10m for the project under the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) discretionary grant programme, which provides grants to surface transportation projects.
Project benefits
With improved pedestrian amenities and bus facilities, the new roadway will enhance multi-modal access to the SEPTA rail.
The regional transportation centre will provide a safe and comfortable walking and bicycling environment. It will improve passenger safety and convenience, as well as accessibility to the Claymont station and regional rail services.
Contractors involved
Wagman Heavy Civil, a construction company based in the US, was awarded the contract for the design and construction of the new Claymont rail station in January 2019.
Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT), an architecture and design firm, was contracted to assist Wagman, providing design and engineering services for the new Claymont station construction.
LS3P, an architecture and planning services provider, provided preliminary architecture services for the project.
