The State of Connecticut and the Federal Railroad Administration anticipate making improvements to train service between Springfield, Massachusetts and New Haven, Connecticut. Ultimately, these improvements could lead to Windsor’s station offering 25 round-trips per day. In light of this, the town considered ways to design the station area so that it would best meet Windsor’s needs. The train station area plan describes improving connections between rail and bus services, reconstruction of a second track of rails, construction of a new platform that is accessible from both sides, installation of a pedestrian overpass, development and redevelopment of surrounding land, and construction of a parking deck.

Click on the above image to take a closer look at the conceptual drawing of the train station area and tell us what you think about it by posting your comments below.

The town center plan recommends that Broad Street be reorganized to remove a vehicle travel lane in each direction and to use that lane space differently. The space gained from shrinking the width of the roadway would help create on-street parking, wider sidewalks, shorter pedestrian crosswalks, and additional green space. These changes would create a more welcoming, walkable town center. Greater access to shops and restaurants would be created, all while creating a safer environment for pedestrians and drivers.

What is a road diet? Watch the following video for a brief overview.

Click here to see a concept plan of the changes.

Tell us what you think about the Broad Street "Road Diet" by adding your comments below.

The town center plan was prepared in response to the increase in commuter rail line service along the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield line. The plan is centered around this idea of Transit-Oriented-Development that in theory will provide a higher quality of life without depending on a car for transportation.

“Transit oriented development is the exciting fast growing trend in creating vibrant, livable communities. Also known as Transit Oriented Design, or TOD, it is the creation of compact, walkable communities centered around high quality train systems. This makes it possible to live a higher quality life without complete dependence on a car for mobility and survival.” (http://www.transitorienteddevelopment.org)

The question now becomes, if the Basketball Hall of Fame is only a 20 minute train ride away, if your hour long commute to work can be utilized as a time to reflect on your day without the hustle and bustle of rush hour traffic, or if you could jump on a train to visit New York City would you ride the train and for what reasons would you choose not to ride the train?

Let us know in the comments.