RIDOT, Amtrak kick off platform and track project

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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An Acela Express train passing through Kingston Station.
Daniel Case

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Amtrak are beginning work on a platform and track project in South County that officials say will improve operations in the Northeast and long-term transit planning in Rhode Island.

 

The $41-million project involves construction of a third track at Kingston Station in South Kingstown, as well as construction of two high level platforms to allow full access to trains for passengers with disabilities. Layout of the third track will enable the regional Amtrak trains stopping at Kingston Station to come off the mainline, while high-speed Amtrak Acela trains safely bypass them. This additional capacity would accommodate expanded commuter rail service to Kingston Station when the state expands commuter rail further into South County.

“This project launches important updates to Rhode Island’s transit system that will attract more businesses to our state, create jobs and increase accessibility for Rhode Islanders with disabilities,” said Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo. “Together, we are showing that good infrastructure matters to Rhode Island and to Rhode Islanders. I look forward to continuing to make smart investments to enhance transportation in our state and encourage long-term business growth.”

“Rhode Island is the second most densely populated state, but commuters here use transit at a rate well below the national average,” RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, Jr., said. “The improvements are an immediate benefit for Amtrak and their movement throughout the Northeast Corridor and they provide a double benefit of enabling an expansion of our commuter rail in the future.”

Work will begin in July under a $17-million contract with Manafort Brothers Inc. that is being funded by a High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program grant through RIDOT. The company will do the preliminary foundation work for 1.5 miles of new track, as well as install drainage, retaining walls and the pole foundations for the wires that run overhead. They will also raise the existing platforms at Kingston Station to make sure that they are level with the incoming trains to meet ADA requirements. The station improvements will be done in phases so service remains uninterrupted.

“Amtrak is pleased to be working with our partners in Rhode Island on this important project,” said Mike DeCataldo, senior vice president & general manager of Northeast Corridor Operations. “The operational flexibility afforded by these track improvements will reduce congestion and minimize delays at a key point in southern Rhode Island, improving reliability and efficiency for our customers traveling through or making connections on the Northeast Corridor. The construction of two high-level platforms will further benefit passengers by creating a safer, more efficient and more convenient boarding process.”

Once the preliminary work is complete, Amtrak will begin construction on the actual tracks and install the overhead wires. Final completion is scheduled for summer 2017.

The project is entirely funded by the federal government with $26.2 million dedicated through the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program for improvements at Kingston Station. The remaining cost of the work at Kingston Station will be covered by Amtrak.

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