Aug 7, 2013 2 min read

Washington residents who do not own a car, or prefer to take the bus into Pittsburgh, will soon have a new transit hub to use.

A two-story intermodal transit center, which has been in the planning stages for more than four years, will be constructed on the site of the former East Chestnut Street parking garage. Construction is expected to begin within the next few weeks and be completed by next June.

Buses will service all current Washington Freedom Line routes and also provide transportation to Pittsburgh. The possibility of extending services to also include Greyhound buses is under consideration.

Last August, the city received a $625,000 federal grant for construction costs, and it has been holding $889,000 that came from the economic stimulus program in 2009. The city also has received other state and federal funding for the project.

City officials had high hopes for the $3.38 million project at the transit center’s groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday.

Washington Mayor Brenda Davis said the center, which will include parking spaces, a city police substation and a pull-in lane for buses, is one notch in a larger plan to revitalize Washington’s business district and spur economic growth in the city.

Since the transit building will occupy only one corner of the lot, Davis said she hopes the additional space could be developed.

“It will also enhance transit services and offer more livable communities with transit-friendly options and more mobility choices for our residents here and our commuters in the city of Washington,” Davis said. “We will also have a level of safety and security enhancements to this area, which, as we all know, especially on council, is in dire need of.”

More surveillance cameras will be installed in the business district, and security personnel will have a greater presence, Davis said. The transit center also will help to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, according to Davis.

Councilman Joe Manning said the transit center will serve residents better than the current handful of bus stops around the city.

“I think the residents are going to be very well served by this facility,” Manning said.

State Rep. Brandon Neuman, D-North Strabane Township, said, “This is one step closer to Washington County reaching its potential by having a viable transportation system.”