Downtown Madison residents had their first opportunity to scrutinize the proposed high-speed rail station near Monona Terrace at a Monday night meeting.

Officials including Alders Mike Verveer, District 4, and Marsha Rummel, District 6, met at the Overture Center to specifically address issues unclear to citizens after previous meetings.

City officials presented plans for the train station, to be located at 101 E. Wilson Street. Officials estimate the building will cost between $11.5 million and $12.5 million.

Chris Klein, a representative from Mayor Dave Cieslewicz’s office, said there would be an additional 1200-1500 parking spots assuming all proposals go forward, including an $11 million permanent public market, the hotel proposal and the other retail possibilities.

Area residents repeatedly mentioned traffic near East Wilson Street as a primary area of concern regarding the proposed rail station. The idea of turning East Wilson into a two-way street is still under consideration.

“This isn’t the first large project we’ve done in the downtown,” city engineer Rob Phillips said.

Residents mentioned logistical concerns as well, asking questions about the profitability of the project. Klein reassured them the station is not only a city or state venture, but a private investment as well.

Other citizens said they were concerned about sustaining ridership of trains. DOT representative Paul Trombino said similar ventures, such as the Amtrak train between Milwaukee and Chicago, have been consistently successful.

Citizens also expressed concerns over the upcoming gubernatorial election and its impact on the future of the project. Trombino said the project would go on as planned regardless of administrative changes.

While area residents were concerned with the diverse impact of the railroad project, passenger and freight services seem to be appreciated.

“The overwhelming response is very supportive,” Verveer said.

Along with the platform, waiting and ticketing areas and offices, space at the station is said to be available for additional retail opportunities, along with the possible addition of the public market where groceries and local produce could be sold.

The timeline for these events sets track construction to begin this fall, corridor construction to begin in spring or summer of 2011 and station construction to begin in late 2011 to early 2012. Service is set to begin in 2013.

Representatives put emphasis on the means of intermodal transportation to and from the station. Means of pedestrian crossing, incorporation of metro busses along with outside transit companies were a topic of discussion.

A major point of concern among those in attendance was the issue of parking and traffic congestion around the proposed station area.

A bike station is proposed to go along with the rail station to make travel more accessible for bikers. It is meant to be a commuter station with bike storage, showers and a possible bike maintenance shop available as well.

“We’re pretty excited to have that intermodal part of it,” Klein said.