Stamford officials announced a $2 million state grant Thursday that will go toward improving the Springdale Metro-North station.

Mayor David Martin says the changes will increase safety for people walking, biking and driving to and around the train station on Hope Street. He says the money will fund safety improvements at a high-crash area. 

Transportation Bureau chief Jim Travers says the state investment will also boost access to trains, increase train ridership and enhance the quality of life in the community.

"We have a really connected community, and I think that this is going to further enhance that," he says. "Connect people to jobs...Connect people to housing."

Some of the improvements include shared bike lanes and a relocated entrance to the station parking lot so drivers can better see oncoming traffic. 

Residents will have the chance to give their input on the changes at community meetings this fall.

Travers says the state investment will boost access to trains, increase ridership and enhance the quality of life in Springdale.

Next week, city officials will review parking permit prices at the Springdale and Glen Brook train stations.