SEPTA takes step toward extending rail service in Delaware County
Paul Nussbaum, Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted: Friday, November 16, 2012, 3:01 AM
SEPTA took a modest step forward Thursday on its long-delayed plan to restore Regional Rail service to Wawa, Delaware County.
The SEPTA board voted to acquire about five acres by the former Franklin Mint headquarters along Route 1 in Middletown Township to build a parking garage and access road for a new passenger station.
But a lack of money is holding up construction of the garage, station, and the three-mile extension of the rail line from Elwyn to Wawa. The project is estimated to cost about $90 million.
A growing population in western Delaware County and southern Chester County and a shortage of parking for passengers on the Media-Elwyn Line has spurred SEPTA's desire to extend the line to Wawa.
Service was "temporarily suspended" in 1986 when SEPTA truncated the old Pennsylvania Railroad route that used to go as far as West Chester.
On Thursday, the SEPTA board approved spending up to $282,788 for 4.86 acres owned by developer Wolfson Verrichia Group Inc. of Plymouth Meeting. The deal is still in negotiation, and the board on Thursday authorized SEPTA officials to acquire the property rights by condemnation if the developer declines to sell.
"We've had numerous discussions, and it's our intention to amicably acquire it," SEPTA real estate director Gerald M. Maier said.
About 3.5 acres would be used to build a 600-space parking garage, and 1.3 acres would be used for an access road to connect with Route 1, Maier said.
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