CHESTER, P.A. (KYW Newsradio) — Chester Mayor Stefan Roots said after the deaths of two children on the nearby railroad tracks, the new safety measure announced on Tuesday of new steel fencing along the tracks is needed now more than ever.
“It’s just a testament to Amtrak recognizing the danger particularly for young kids going on the tracks,” said Roots at a press conference announcing $7.7 million in new funding going to the city of Chester to install the fencing.
He also hopes the new funding could be part of something new for Amtrak in Chester.
“When you think of Amtrak, you don’t always think of Chester, but we have two train stations here,” said Roots. “Amtrak used to stop in Chester when Chester was a thriving community. It doesn’t stop anymore, so a sign of true success for Chester will be when Amtrak will stop here again.”
His idea for a new stop in the city? Putting a stop closer to the Philadelphia Union’s stadium to boost more economic activity and development.
“People can ditch their car in Philadelphia, hop on the train, get right off at Rainy Street, take a four-block walk and they’re right at the stadium,” said Roots.
The $7.7 million grant is part of a total $126 million given to Amtrak from the Federal Railroad Administration for its Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) competitive grant program.