Amtrak will use a portion of its $2.45 billion investment package in next-generation high-speed Acela Express trainsets and Northeast Corridor (NEC) infrastructure improvements to fund construction for the modernization of Washington Union Station’s passenger rail concourse and the expansion of Amtrak’s D.C.-based fleet maintenance facility.
“This is an enormous milestone for Washington Union Station, securing the next steps in modernizing this gateway to our Nation’s Capital,” said Stephen Gardner, Executive Vice President of Amtrak Infrastructure and Investment Development. “With 37 million people passing through the station each year, these investments are critical to regional connectivity and economic growth and will result in a premier travel experience for Union Station customers.”
The investment will fund full-phase construction of Amtrak’s Concourse Modernization Project –announced in March– a near-term comprehensive renovation of Washington Union Station’s intercity and commuter concourse that will double the concourse’s current capacity and upgrade key customer amenities including new restrooms, boarding gates, seating, and ClubAcela lounge. Design for the project, previously funded with contributions from Amtrak and the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC), is already well underway.
Early action construction will start in the fall of 2016 and include the relocation of heating and ventilation. Full-phased construction, funded by the new investment package, is anticipated to start in 2017 and will seek to minimize impacts to all station users.
“The funds for railroad infrastructure improvements made available by our work on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee are being put to premium use here at Union Station,” said Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). “Amtrak’s Concourse Modernization Project begins the transformation of Union Station into the 21st century multi-modal train station we have been working to achieve.”
The Concourse Modernization project is the first set of improvements to come to life as part of Washington Union Station’s 2nd Century plan, a comprehensive improvement initiative comprised of multiple projects in coordination with USRC, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and private real estate developer Akridge.
“We are elated that a District of Columbia landmark that is utilized by thousands of residents and visitors each and every day will receive a fresh start,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. “This investment in Union Station by the Obama Administration and Amtrak is truly monumental.”
In addition to concourse improvements, funding will be used to modify Amtrak’s fleet maintenance facility in Washington, D.C. The existing two-track high-speed maintenance building in Amtrak’s Ivy City Yard will be expanded to enclose a third track, which supports the creation of highly-technical jobs for the District of Columbia as well as improve the on board and station customer experience that will accommodate the high-speed rail service levels. Demand for Acela Express service is as popular as ever, with many trains selling out during peak travel periods. From 2.4 million passengers in Fiscal Year 2002 to 3.4 million passengers in Fiscal Year 2015, Acela Express has led a significant growth in revenue and market share in the Northeast.
Late last month, Amtrak announced it’s contracting with Alstom to produce 28 next-generation high-speed trainsets that will replace the equipment used to provide Amtrak’s premium Acela Express service. Amtrak is funding both the infrastructure improvements as well the new trainsets through the FRA’s Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing program, which will be repaid through growth in NEC revenues.
In addition to station improvements at Washington Union Station, customers will see improvements at Moynihan Station in New York City, and New Carrollton Station and Baltimore Penn Station in Maryland, as well as track capacity and ride quality improvements to the NEC that will benefit both Acela Express riders and other Amtrak and commuter passengers.
About Amtrak
Amtrak – America’s Railroad® – is dedicated to safe and reliable mobility as the nation’s intercity passenger rail service provider and its high-speed rail operator. With our state and commuter partners, we move people, the economy and the nation forward, carrying more than 30 million Amtrak passengers for each of the past five years. Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a 10 member board of directors, nine of whom are appointed by the President of the United States plus the Amtrak CEO. Anthony R. Coscia is board chairman and Jeffrey R. Moreland is vice chairman. Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – connecting more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Learn more at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and other information.
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