Construction begins on new Amtrak Rochester, N.Y., station

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

Construction has started on the $29.8-million Amtrak Rochester Intermodal Station in Rochester, N.Y., which will reduce regional delays by expanding track service at the station, increase functionality through a new and redesigned concourse and enhance the overall passenger experience in the larger, modern station. Construction is expected to be completed by 2017.

 

“This new, modern and more efficient station will be a boost for the local economy and will improve both the travel experience for passengers, as well as the flow of commercial goods in and out of the Finger Lakes region,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

The design of the new Rochester Station is inspired by the aesthetics and architecture of the former Bragdon Station, built on the same site in 1914 and demolished in 1965. The new station will be larger and include passenger amenities, such as retail space, and provide more comfortable and welcoming waiting and ticketing areas.

The station will include two new dedicated passenger tracks. Presently, only one track adjoins the station and passenger and freight trains share it, often having to slow or wait outside of the station area until the track is clear. Having two additional tracks will reduce delays, allowing two passenger trains traveling in opposite directions to stop at the new station and freight trains to pass when passenger trains are stopped at the station.

It will have a two-sided, high-level passenger platform that will be accessed through a concourse from the station. It will greatly improve functionality, helping passengers to enter and exit trains more easily, reducing train delays. The project, including the new station, passenger concourse, platform and passenger information display systems, will be fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Under an agreement reached in 2012, Amtrak will continue to own, operate and maintain the station on the site of the existing Amtrak station located on 320 Central Ave. in Rochester. Amtrak also will contribute to the new Passenger Information Display System at the new station. CSX completed preliminary site work in preparation for station construction to start, which included relocating live signal wires to make room for construction of the new platform, concourse and additional tracks. Later this year, CSX also will remove signal poles that are no longer in use, clearing additional space for station construction.

 

 

Tags: