OLD ORCHARD BEACH – Town officials are hoping to find a way to get Downeaster service by Independence Day even though the platform isn’t expected to be finished until mid-July.
Construction was delayed because the contractor, Construction Divers Inc. of Scarborough, and the owner of the track, Guilford Rail Systems, were unable to sign an agreement until this week.
Town Manager Richard Haberman said this delay could mean the platform will not be done until July 15. But in the meantime, the town is looking at other ways to have the Boston-to-Portland line stop in town, he said.
One possibility is having the train stop in the middle of Old Orchard Street. Another idea is to build a temporary, 3-foot platform on the site where the concrete platform is planned.
Officials will also look into the costs of having crews work around the clock so the platform can be completed by July 4.
Each of the alternatives requires approval from Guilford, Amtrak and the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, Haberman said.
Town Councilor Darryl Chandler said regardless of what the town decides to do, there will be train service for the summer tourist season.
“You’ll have train service in Old Orchard Beach – guaranteed,” he said.
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