Amtrak has launched the construction of the new Brattleboro station, in the State of Vermont, and the state’s first-ever level boarding train platform.
The event was organised together with the town of Brattleboro, state of Vermont, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), New England Central Railroad (NECR) and the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans).
Due to this project, passengers will no longer require steps to get on or off a train for a more seamless and safer experience due to the new platform sitting 4 feet (1.2 metres) above the top of the rail. The new station will also have both interior and exterior accessible waiting areas, along with other modernization and accessible improvements inside, on the platform, and in the parking lot.
“Celebrating the groundbreaking for a new station and the state’s first-ever level boarding platform is a milestone we’re proud to accomplish with our partners. Combining these investments with other recent improvements Amtrak has made in the state of Vermont, creates a better overall train travel experience for the state’s residents and visitors,” Amtrak Vice President, Accessibility, Stations and Facilities David Handera said.
The new Brattleboro station will feature a waiting room with fixed seats for 36 passengers and additional standing room, and a new ADA-accessible single-occupant restroom.
Under the project construction works will be carried out for a covered, outdoor waiting area with benches and more standing room, platform upgrades which include a new electric snow melt system, lighting, railings, a detectable warning edge, and signage for a safer experience.
Additionally, an art installation of the Brattleboro Words Trail, a multi-media, community-produced tribute to the rich and unique literary and cultural history of the Brattleboro area, will be featured on the track-facing outside wall of the building.
The project is primarily funded by the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA)/Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
This project comes on the heels of recent improvements and investments Amtrak has made in the state of Vermont.
This includes Amtrak’s USD 50 million investment in infrastructure, signalling and track modernisation between Springfield and White River Junction which is scheduled to be completed in late 2024.
These improvements will lead to faster, safer and more reliable service for the Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express and freight trains. In addition, Amtrak recently completed service improvements on the Ethan Allen Express that save 15 minutes of travel time.
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