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Overview:
The purpose of this study is to identify strategies
to increase access to parking at selected rail stations in Darien and Norwalk.
Initial study efforts focused on the five rail stations located in Darien
and Norwalk – Darien Center, East Norwalk, Noroton Heights, Rowayton and
South Norwalk. The study assessed:
- Current use of parking facilities (state, local, private) serving
the rail stations;
- Current and projected demand for parking;
- Regularity and frequency of rail service and the likelihood of expanded
service;
- Potential neighborhood-level impacts of expanded parking or changes
to parking access; Availability of adjacent land that could support
expanded parking; and
- Availability of transit, bicycle and pedestrian connections.
As
a result of this baseline assessment, two stations – Noroton Heights and
South Norwalk – were selected for additional review and the identification
of options for improving access to rail services.
The options are intended
to:
- Improve efficiency of existing parking facilities at both stations;
- Identify opportunities for the expansion of parking facilities;
and
- Recommend neighborhood-level strategies that support additional
use of rail stations.
Options were identified by SWRPA and its consultant
in partnership with the Town of Darien, the City of Norwalk and an advisory
committee. Participation from rail commuters and persons living or working
in the vicinity of these stations also was solicited through a series of
media releases, distribution of a commuter questionnaire and a series of
commuter "meet and greets" held at the Noroton Heights and South Norwalk
Stations during morning and afternoon peak periods.
Study recommendations include:
- Use of systems management techniques – such as improving layout
of surface parking lots and wayfinding – to make optimal use of existing
facilities should be implemented prior to investment in new parking
facilities.
- Use of demand management techniques – such as pricing incentives
to encourage use of underutilized parking lots – should be implemented
prior to investment in new parking facilities.
- Enhanced lighting and clearly marked pedestrian walkways should
be installed to improve safety and security.
- Improve transit connections, bicycle facilities and pedestrian walkways
to encourage more persons to access the station by means other than
the automobile.
- At Noroton Heights station, build a pedestrian bridge to improve
linkage between remote parking facilities and the station platform.
- At South Norwalk station, pursue opportunities for station area
development and shared parking facilities.
Study Products:
The study products include:
- Presentations
- Final Report
- Fact Sheets
Project Team:
Sponsor:
South Western Regional Planning Agency
Prime Consultants:
Edwards and Kelcey
Contact Us
If you have comments or would like additional information, please contact:
Susan Prosi
Senior Transportation Planner
SWRPA
888 Washington Boulevard
Stamford, CT 06901
Phone: 203-316-5190
Fax: 203-316-4995
Email: prosi@swrpa.org
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