Amtrak completes modernization of Wilmington station

After nearly two years, the extensive renovation project to modernize the Amtrak Wilmington Station is now complete. The historic station has been rededicated as the Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Railroad Station, in honor of the long-time Amtrak rider, strong advocate of passenger rail and current Vice President of the United States of America. As a U.S. Senator from Delaware for 36 years, Vice President Biden regularly used this station to travel between Wilmington and Washington, DC. "This is an historic day for Amtrak, the State of Delaware and the entire region," said Amtrak President Joseph Boardman. "Today we are proud to announce that the Wilmington Station Project has been completed and not only have we improved the transportation function and utility of the station for our passengers but we have modernized and renovated the historic parts of the station while holding on to its charm." "The Wilmington Amtrak Station is more than just one of the nation's busiest train stations-at more than 100 years of age, it is also one of our city's greatest historic and architectural treasures," said Wilmington Mayor James B. Baker. "Following a remarkable renovation and modernization project that successfully preserved the signature handiwork of the building's famed Victorian architect, Frank Furness, this landmark building is now ready to proudly serve for another century." The renovation project balanced the need to modernize the station while retaining its historic charm. The project included detailed restoration to various parts of the station including the grand staircase located in the lobby and the historic men's and women's waiting rooms on the second floor. Amtrak and SEPTA passengers utilizing the station will now enjoy a more comfortable and convenient station that features a larger concourse, safety improvements, a new passenger information display system and enhancements to the station's accessibility to people with disabilities. In addition, the renovation includes track and platform improvements. A number of environmentally responsible elements also were included in the renovation, such as LED lighting, a new energy efficient heating/cooling system and motion sensors for the operation of lighting and "smart" elevators that automatically shutoff when not in use for a period of time. Funding for the renovation project was provided by Amtrak ($5.7 million), the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ($20 million), the Delaware Department of Transportation ($2 million) and the Delaware Congressional Delegation through the SAFETEALU Transportation bill and other appropriations bills ($10 million) all supported by the Biden-Carper-Castle Delaware Congressional Delegation.