Politics & Government

Groundbreaking Held For Hercules Intermodal Transit Center

Work begins in earnest to build the center for trains, buses and ferries

It was just a few shovels of dirt, but the ceremony symbolized what city officials hope is a new era for Hercules.

An official groundbreaking was held Wednesday for the next phase of the Hercules Intermodal Transit Center.

The $81 million complex, when it's complete in five years or so, will house a train station, a bus station and a ferry terminal along Bayshore Boulevard.

It'll be part of a transit village that is expected to contain 1,300 homes as well as commercial space, offices and work-live units on 42 acres.

Design plans for the center are nearly complete. The next step is to connect the Bay Trail to the transit center as well as extend John Muir Parkway.

More than 50 people attended Wednesday's groundbreaking. A half-dozen local, county and federal dignitaries spoke.

Hercules Mayor John Delgado told the crowd the now-vacant property will quickly be turned into a center that brings transportation, recreation and housing to the city

"It has a lot of positives. It's a no-brainer," said Delgado.

Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Napa) gave credit to Rep. George Miller (D-Concord), who represented Hercules before the 2010 redistricting, for securing federal grants for the project.

He also applauded all the agencies and organizations that have worked together to move the project forward.

"Things like this don't happen by themselves," said Thompson.

Contra Costa Supervisor Federal Glover said the transit center will reduce traffic on nearby Interstate 80 as well as provide recreation and environmental protection for the shoreline

"The quality of life is going to be enhanced so much," he said.

The transit center will sit on the site of the old Hercules Powder Company, which shut down its plant there in the late 1970s.

Amtrak train tracks currently run alongside the property.


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