Amtrak will hold a public open house on June 6, 2012 at Villanova University’s Connelly Center Cinema to introduce the Zoo to Paoli Electric Transmission Line Project and to gather public input on the project. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM.

Amtrak plans to upgrade the existing overhead electric power system along the 20-mile segment of the Keystone Corridor between the Philadelphia Zoo and the Paoli substation as well as upgrade and expand the existing sub-station at the Bryn Mawr rail station.  This section of the corridor is in dire need of electrical system upgrades to ensure safe and efficient rail travel in the future.

New towers are planned to carry the overhead electric system, replacing the existing structures. The existing towers, at approximately 44 feet tall, show signs of significant deterioration and will be replaced by new towers approximately 72 feet tall. A few towers may reach 100 feet tall at overhead bridges.  All construction will take place within the existing Amtrak right of way, so no additional right-of-way or property will need to be acquired for these improvements. Construction is anticipated to start in 2015.

The June 6 open house will introduce the project to the public, provide a tentative project schedule, share conceptual plans for the design, and present the results of preliminary research on environmental and cultural resources within the corridor.  Since feedback from the community is vital to ensuring a successful project, residents along the corridor are encouraged to attend this meeting to provide input and help identify project issues.

Villanova University’s Connelly Center is a physically accessible facility.  Please notify Stell Environmental Consulting at least 48 hours prior to the meeting if you have special needs for which this agency will need to make arrangements.  The telephone number for making special arrangements is Crystal Gilchrist, 610.286.0100.

For further information regarding this project, contact Daniel P. Tasker at Amtrak, 215-349-1416, Taskerd@amtrak.com or Daren Petroski at Burns Engineering, Inc., 215-979-7700 x7749, DPetroski@burns-group.com.  For further information regarding this meeting, contact Daren Petroski at Burns Engineering, Inc., 215-979-7700 x7749, DPetroski@burns-group.com or Allen Heist at Stell Environmental Enterprises, Inc., 610-286-0100,