Construction Work at Cobourg VIA Rail Station to Start Next Week

COBOURG, December 1, 2011 - VIA Rail Canada will shortly begin construction work for its new Cobourg train station overpass, island platform and related structures. Located slightly west of the current station, the new structures are scheduled to open in fall 2012.  The new island platform and overhead walkway will service tracks north of the current station platform.

Some preparatory work must be carried out during night-time hours due to access and train operations issues. Efforts will be made to keep noise to a minimum. The night-time work, scheduled to begin by around December 8, should last about six to eight weeks.

Throughout the construction period, significant portions of the station parking lot will be inaccessible and the number of available parking spaces reduced. VIA recommends that, where possible, passengers car-pool, get a lift to the station or take public transit during this period.

Cobourg is the 13th busiest station in VIA’s national network. The new overhead walkway and connecting buildings will be fully-accessible and aesthetically-pleasing structures. Their  construction will allow VIA to respond to anticipated future growth, as the region continues to expand and prosper. This project is linked with other work VIA is undertaking throughout its Ontario - Quebec Corridor with the overall result being improvements in train safety, better on-time performance, increased capacity for potential future growth as well as reductions in travel time. All of this work, including construction of the new station structures, adds up to better passenger rail service for the citizens of Cobourg and area.

VIA apologizes in advance for any inconvenience that this project may cause.  Should you have any questions or comments, please call VIA’s toll-free inquiry line at 1 866-757-6778. Information regarding this project and related ones is also available at www.viacorridor.ca.