New Parking Garage Opens At Stamford Transportation Center

STAMFORD, CT — Officials celebrated the grand opening of the new parking garage at the Stamford Transportation Center on Monday, marking the completion of the long-awaited $100 million project.

The new 914-space garage is attached directly to the STC via a 320-foot pedestrian bridge, and it provides direct access to the track 5 platform to Grand Central Terminal.

There are 92 electric vehicle charging stations, 120 bicycle parking spaces, inlcuding 50 e-bike charging stations, along with facade lighting with color changing high-efficient LED lighting that will celebrate special events and holidays.

Addtionally, the South State Street and Washington Boulevard intersection was reconstructed with new sidewalks, traffic signals and thermal crosswalks.

The original garage, built in 1985, will soon be closed and its demolition will begin within the next month, a news release from Lamont's office said.

Following that work, the STC will have nearly 2,100 parking spaces – an increase of 600 spaces from what was available before today.

The STC is the busiest public transportation hub in the state, Gov. Ned Lamont said in a news release.

"Thousands of people who live here depend on these trains to get them to their jobs every single day, and businesses benefit by being centrally located to a transportation center that is accessible and convenient for their workers," Lamont said. "When we make investments to improve our transportation infrastructure, we are doing it with a laser focus on how our state and the people who live here can benefit economically to support themselves and their families."

Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said the new garage ensures that commuters, whether they drive, walk, or bike to the transportation center, have convenient access

"This state-of-the-art facility is a key component of the Stamford Transportation Center, enables opportunity for transit-oriented development, and sets the stage for the rehabilitation of the station," he said.

Also on Monday, Lamont and Eucalitto announced the CT-DOT's STC Master Plan, which serves as the state's vision for future improvements that can be made.

The master plan includes short and long-term recommendations that will improve multi-modal connectivity between trains, buses, and vehicles, provide upgraded passenger amenities and waiting areas, and expand and modernize the transportation facility.

The CT-DOT also plans to issue a request for qualifications for a transit-oriented development project to be created at the site of the original garage property, which will complement additional investments that Stamford has been making to improve properties and infrastructure around the station.

This joint state and city endeavor is expected to drive further economic and community development for Stamford and the entire state.

Mayor Caroline Simmons called the opening of the new garage "the first of many"investments that figure to enhance the commuter experience in Stamford.

"Transforming the Stamford train station into a world-class transit hub is a key priority for my administration," she said in a news releae. "I am grateful to Governor Lamont, CTDOT Commissioner Eucalitto, and our delegation for their commitment, investment, and prioritization of the Stamford Transportation Center Master Plan and I look forward to working alongside them to ensure this project is completed.”

The opening of the garage had been delayed for several months due to supply chain issues with materials.

"We were lucky to have among the best to build this garage and I appreciate how they did their best against the elements and with sometimes scarcely available materials imposing delays on them," said state Rep. David Michel (D-146), whose district includes much of the Soth End, Shippan and downtown. "It is exciting to see so many electric charging stations available to the public, participating in the statewide infrastructure plans early in the development phase, here in my district."

U.S. Congressman Jim Himes (D-4) said he commutes in and out of the STC.

"I'm excited about this not just because it's good 21st century infrastructure with lots of bike parking and lots of electric charging stations, but also because it's going to be an economic hub for Stamford," he said.

For more information about the Stamford Transportation Center and the parking garage, including parking rates and permits, visit stamfordstation.ctrail.com.

For more information about the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Stamford Transportation Center Master Plan, visit stcmasterplan.com.