New train station aims to spur development in Middletown

(Middletown) — Plans for a new train station in one Dauphin County borough have been in the works for years.

PennDOT is set to start construction on the new Amtrak station in Middletown by late-2018.

But, it’s asking private developers to get involved to handle building a parking lot with 400 spaces and a pedestrian bridge to Penn State Harrisburg, and consider adding retail or commercial space at the station.

PennDOT’s Toby Fauver says he’s excited about the potential.

“Yeah, I mean I don’t know that there’s any other station like it. On the Keystone Corridor, there definitely isn’t another station like it. It helps meet student needs, downtown needs, and people who want to use it for the airport,” says Fauver.

The station will link to downtown Middletown, Harrisburg International Airport, and Penn State Harrisburg.

Fauver says he doesn’t just want a large space with 400 parking spaces – he wants integrated development that is seamlessly connected to the community.

This is the first time PennDOT has taken on such a project with the assistance of private developers.

Adds Fauver: “So we’re trying to figure out the right formula to make it successful, trying to be as open-minded as possible, as flexible as possible with developers. We’d like to see integrated development that creates activity here, in addition to just having parking.”

The new station is expected to cost $24.4 million.