New station transportation project

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It will cost about $65 million to build and won't be finished for several years, but local leaders say it will transform the way we travel here in western Massachusetts.

The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority and the Springfield Redevelopment Authority have joined forces to design, build and operate the Union Station Transportation Center.

People refer to the old Union Station Building as "beautiful" even in its current state, so just imagine how residents will feel about it once its transformed into what's being called a modern intermodal transportation center benefiting all of western Massachusetts.

Bobby Russo of Springfield said: "As long as it's good for the city, good for business, and it's not wasted money, bringing people in and revitalizing the area, it's definitely a good thing."

Although the project has been at a standstill for years, the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority has just reached an agreement with the Springfield Redevelopment Authority. Together they will design build and operate the union station transportation center as a joint venture.

When the project is finished, the terminal will house PVTA, Amtrak, commuter rail and intercity bus services, as well as having office space, rentals for economic development, a transportation conference center and even a day care.

Joe Guido of Springfield said: "I'm actually pretty for it. I grew up in New York most of my life and i just recently moved out here and the road systems are pretty rough out here. So anything to make it easier for cars to get in and around I'm for it."

The project will use a combination of federal transit and state transit grants totaling $65.2 million. The design phase is expected to begin this fall, with an anticipated completion date of 2012.