The landscape of public transportation in Delaware has been significantly enhanced with the unveiling of the new Claymont Transportation Center. Officially dedicated as the Harris B. McDowell, III Transportation Center, this state-of-the-art facility is poised to become a vital hub for commuters and travelers alike. Full services commenced on Monday, December 4, 2023, marking a new era for transportation in Claymont and the wider Delaware region.
Dedication ceremony of the Harris B. McDowell, III Transportation Center in Claymont, Delaware, showcasing the modern Claymont Transportation Center.
The dedication ceremony was a landmark event, bringing together key figures instrumental in the project’s realization. Delaware Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski, Delaware Transit Corporation CEO John Sisson, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, and members of the U.S. Congressional delegation, alongside federal, state, and local dignitaries, were present to celebrate the completion of this ambitious $90 million project.
Governor John Carney emphasized the significance of the new center, stating, “The opening of the Harris B. McDowell III Transportation Center is a major milestone in the continued economic redevelopment of Claymont and will serve as an important gateway for residents, businesses, and visitors to Delaware.” He further highlighted his personal connection, adding, “As a proud Claymont native, I couldn’t be more pleased to help celebrate the completion of this project, and I want to thank our team at DelDOT for their hard work.”
The journey to create this modern transportation hub began in 2016 when Delaware’s Congressional Delegation, including then-Congressman John Carney and U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, successfully secured a $10 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant. This crucial federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation was instrumental in initiating the construction of the Claymont Transportation Center.
The collective statement from Senators Carper and Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, underscored the collaborative effort behind the project: “The new Claymont rail station is proof of what is possible when local communities work with the state and federal government to bring our infrastructure into the 21st century and support economic development.” They further noted the transformative potential for Claymont, remarking, “After the closing of the former Evraz steel mill, Delaware rallied behind the Claymont community to help turn economic adversity into an opportunity for redevelopment and job creation. Today, we are celebrating an important step forward in Claymont’s revitalization through the opening of this modern and accessible train station.”
Secretary Majeski acknowledged the complexity and long-term commitment involved in bringing the project to fruition. “This was an incredibly complex project many years in the making, and from the beginning hundreds of people from multiple agencies have been involved in this effort with the singular goal of providing Claymont with a first-class transportation center we can all be proud of,” she explained.
John Sisson, CEO of the Delaware Transit Corporation, focused on the enhanced user experience that the new center offers. “Anyone that has utilized the former Claymont Station knows how challenging it was to catch a train,” Sisson pointed out. “The design of the new transportation center focused on the user experience, making public transit an easy, convenient, and smart choice.”
The Harris B. McDowell, III Transportation Center boasts an array of modern amenities designed to enhance the commuter experience. With over 800 parking spaces, including 13 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, the center caters to a wide range of travelers. Accessibility is a key feature, with two ADA-compliant high-level covered platforms equipped with wind screens, comfortable benches, and convenient USB charging ports. For cyclists, the center provides bicycle racks and repair stations, promoting multi-modal transportation. Real-time passenger information displays ensure commuters are always up-to-date, and vending machines offer added convenience.
This transportation center serves as a crucial interchange for various public transit services. It is a key stop for SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) trains, connecting Claymont to Philadelphia and beyond. Additionally, DART First State and SEPTA bus services operate from the center, providing extensive local and regional connectivity.
The naming of the Claymont Transportation Center in honor of Senator Harris B. McDowell, III, is a fitting tribute to his decades of public service. Legislation to this effect, sponsored by State Senator Sarah McBride and State Representative Debra Heffernan, was signed by Governor Carney in October 2022. Senator McDowell represented the First Senate District from 1976 to 2021, becoming the longest-serving member in the history of the Delaware General Assembly. This dedication recognizes his lasting impact on Delaware and his commitment to the community.
For individuals seeking detailed information on SEPTA services to and from Claymont and other Delaware destinations, resources are readily available online. The Harris B. McDowell, III Transportation Center represents not just an upgrade in infrastructure but a commitment to enhancing connectivity, promoting economic growth, and improving the daily lives of Delaware residents. As a modern gateway, the Claymont Transportation Center is set to play a pivotal role in the region’s transportation network for years to come.
