NNEPRA Will Expand Wells Train Station
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
From December 2024, an Amtrak Downeaster train travels over the newly extended track. The work came as part of the Wells Area Improvement Project (WAIP).
Courtesy of NNEPRA
WELLS, Maine - Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority announces the expansion of the Wells Train Station has begun.
On March 3, 2025, work to expand the facilities at the Wells Transportation Center began. Crews will replace the high level boarding platform that is next to the building and construct another boarding platform across the tracks that will connect to an overhead pedestrian bridge. By having the second platform, passengers on Amtrak Downeaster trains can board and deboard at the same time. By having a second platform, another Downeaster train will operate between Brunswick and Wells. During construction, a temporary platform will allow passengers access to these trains. The work is part of a larger $31.9 million Wells Area Improvement Project (WAIP). Funded through a CRISI grant, the Maine Department of Transportation, and CSX, the project also includes a six mile extension a second track in front of the station. According to the report, this will be completed by CSX.
The project, totaling $11.8 million, will take 18 months and support 80 jobs and 40 suppliers. For the platform and pedestrian bridge construction, a contract was awarded to Great Falls Construction. President of Great Falls Construction Jon Smith said, “We are excited to collaborate with NNEPRA on this endeavor which will enhance transportation infrastructure and serve the Maine community and its visitors well for years to come. It’s a great project and we are happy to be a part of it.”
NNEPRA Executive Director Patricia Quinn said, “We are delighted to work with Great Falls on this important project that will provide more options for Maine residents to get back and forth to work without adding to traffic congestion. . . We are grateful for the partnership and collaboration with our funding and operating partners, as well s the Town of Wells and Maine Turnpike Authority, which owns the Wells Station property, throughout this project.”
