Revolutionizing Travel in the US: Amtrak Unveils Accessibility Upgrades at North Dakota Stations for Better Passenger Comfort

Amtrak has announced a significant investment aimed at improving accessibility for passengers at five stations in North Dakota. This $30 million investment is part of a broader initiative to ensure that all Amtrak stations across the country are accessible to all customers. The stations receiving these upgrades are located along the Empire Builder route, which connects Seattle or Portland to Chicago. The changes, which are expected to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers, include the construction of new boarding platforms, upgrades to station interiors, and improved signage to guide visitors.

Enhancing Accessibility Across North Dakota Stations

The effort to enhance the accessibility of Amtrak stations in North Dakota is driven by Amtrak’s commitment to making travel more inclusive and comfortable for all passengers. Amtrak’s Vice President of Accessibility, Dr. David Handera, stated that making stations accessible is a priority for the company, and these upgrades are part of a continuous effort to improve the experience for travelers. These investments will provide a more welcoming and efficient environment for all passengers, ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility, can easily access train services across the national network.

The $30 million initiative targets improvements at five key stations in the state. The upgrades will make these stations more accessible, offering passengers safer and more comfortable facilities to use while traveling. The improvements will also help meet the accessibility requirements outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), further enhancing the travel experience for those with disabilities.

Major Upgrades to Key Stations

The following stations in North Dakota are set to benefit from the upgrades:

• Devils Lake (DVL): $4.5 Million
• Fargo (FAR): $4.5 Million
• Rugby (RUG): $10.4 Million
• Stanley (STN): $0.4 Million
• Williston (WTN): $10 Million

Devils Lake Station Upgrades

Devils Lake Station, built in 1907 by the Great Northern Railway, holds a prominent position in the city’s historic district. The upgrades to this station include the construction of a 300-foot concrete boarding platform, designed with a brick finish. The platform will be equipped with a snowmelt system for improved safety during winter months. The upgrades also include sloped walkways, safety barriers, energy-efficient LED lighting, and detectable warning systems. These improvements aim to enhance accessibility, ensuring that travelers can safely and comfortably access the station regardless of weather conditions.

The project at Devils Lake is being led by Michael Baker International (MBI) as the design firm, with Collage Companies providing general contractor services. Construction Engineers of Grand Forks and other local suppliers and subcontractors contributed to the project’s success, which is scheduled for completion next month.

Fargo Station Upgrades

Fargo Station, which was originally built in 1906 by Great Northern Railway, is receiving a $4.5 million upgrade. The improvements include the construction of a 645-foot concrete boarding platform with accessible paths of travel. The station now features sloped accessible walkways, railings, egress gates, energy-efficient LED light fixtures, and new signage. In addition, the interior of the station has been refreshed, ensuring a welcoming environment for all travelers.

GFT Infrastructure Inc. is the design firm responsible for the upgrades, while Krische Construction Inc. provided general contracting services. The project involved several local subcontractors, including Fargo Glass and Neset Survey, ensuring that the work was carried out by local businesses.

Rugby Station Upgrades

Rugby Station, which was built in 1907 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has received an impressive $10.4 million in upgrades. The station now boasts a 750-foot concrete boarding platform, equipped with a snowmelt system for safety and enhanced accessibility. The upgrades also include sloped walkways, safety barriers, energy-efficient LED lighting, and detectable warning systems. The station interior has also been renovated to provide a more modern and comfortable experience for passengers.

MBI led the design of the project, with Granite Construction Co. serving as the general contractor. Local subcontractors from Rugby and across the state provided materials and services, including Deplazes Readi-Mix, Lunseth Plumbing and Heating Co., and Riedhammer Masonry.

Stanley Station Upgrades

The Stanley Station, built in 1922, has received a $0.4 million upgrade. While the project was smaller in scale, it still significantly improved accessibility. The upgrades included the construction of a new accessible path from the station to the designated parking area, as well as the repair and replacement of detectable warning systems on the existing platform. Additionally, new signage has been added throughout the station.

STV provided the design services for this upgrade, while KCI served as the general contractor. Local subcontractors, including American Engineering Testing and Benchmark Land Surveying, played a vital role in completing the project.

Williston Station Upgrades

Williston Station, which opened in 1910 and is noted for its historic significance, has received $10 million in upgrades. The new improvements include a 700-foot concrete boarding platform with a snowmelt system and accessible paths of travel. The station now features sloped walkways, railings, egress gates, energy-efficient LED light fixtures, and new signage to improve both safety and accessibility.

MBI designed the project, and KCI served as the general contractor. Several North Dakota subcontractors contributed to the project, including A&A Landscape, Fargo Glass, and Mowbray & Sons.

Ongoing Commitment to Accessibility

Amtrak’s commitment to accessibility is reflected in the more than $1 billion invested since 2011 in upgrading stations across the national network. These upgrades, including the recent improvements in North Dakota, are part of Amtrak’s goal to ensure 100% accessibility at its stations by 2029.

The investments are crucial not only for improving the passenger experience but also for ensuring safety, efficiency, and comfort for all travelers. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has played a critical role in funding these upgrades, furthering the accessibility efforts at Amtrak stations nationwide.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Amtrak’s Accessibility

The improvements made at the five North Dakota stations are just part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience across Amtrak’s entire network. Over the next year, an additional 50 stations are set to undergo upgrades, with a projected investment of $311 million. As these efforts continue, Amtrak remains committed to providing a safe, accessible, and comfortable experience for all passengers, ensuring that its stations are welcoming to travelers of all abilities.

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