Wayne Station has a bold, new look

Friday morning, the retooled, historic Wayne Station on the Thorndale Regional Rail line in Delaware County was dedicated before a large crowd following Phase II reconstruction, which consisted of substantial structural work, including the replacement of the station roof and interior upgrades to the station building.

In addition, Americans With Disabilities Act improvements were made, including new high-level platforms with tactile edges on both the inbound and outbound sides, new stairs and wheelchair ramps from the pedestrian tunnel to the platforms, new lighting, handrails, signage, and accessible bathrooms inside the station. One of the most significant features of Phase II was the construction of the two 500-plus foot high-level platforms east of the original platforms.

The station consists of a large building with a ticket office, canteen and waiting room on the inbound side. Inbound shelter is provided by the extended overhang of the station building; on the outbound side there is an unenclosed shelter. With significant local funding, SEPTA restored the old station building (built 1885) from 1998 to 2004. This included interior, chimney, and masonry repairs.

The old outbound shelter was dilapidated and was restored as part of Phase II. High ridership and historical value both justify the $22.7 million rehabilitation project, which was funded by a joint federal, state and local effort to rejuvinate the station, which dates from the 19th Century.