Road Closures Mean Fairfield-Vacaville Train Station A Step Closer To Reality After 20 Years
FAIRFIELD (CBS13) — For the next 14 months, a major commuter road in Fairfield will be shut down as crews work on the city's largest public works project ever.
An empty area off of Peabody and Vanden roads near Travis Air Force Base will house a state-of-the-art train depot.
"This is the last major development area of the city," said city spokesman Kevin Berryhill.
While the plan has been in the works for 20 years, construction just started. It's expected to pick up its first passengers in the spring of 2017, but city leaders say that's just the beginning.
"This is the catalyst for really creating an exciting new development that is based around the transit," he said.
Plans are in the works to build nearly 7,000 homes nearby, as well as fill 350 acres of future commercial and industrial space, which the city estimates will help create 4,000 permanent jobs.
"I think anything that provides jobs, that provides growth, if it's managed correctly is fine," said resident Bob Haney.
The city hopes the new developments will attract younger students to the area, and put their plans for economic growth on track.
The train station is expected to cost about $80 million, with funding coming from federal, state and regional sources.