CSX, Amtrak, NYSDOT, FRA reach agreement for New York rail projects

CSX, Amtrak New York State Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration reached an agreement that allows $91.2 million to be released for double tracking between Albany to Schenectady, NY and $58.1 million for the Empire Corridor.

"High-speed rail is a key to upstate New York’s economic future, and
that future starts today," said Sen. Charles Schumer. "I pushed the
parties to reach an agreement so that we could put hammer to nail and
get these projects rolling down the tracks. I’m thrilled that everyone
has signed off on this deal and can’t wait to see the construction
begin. We’re going to create jobs and modernize our rail infrastructure
that is going to be key to bringing even more jobs and economic
opportunity to the Empire State."

The projects receiving funding appear below:

Albany – Schenectady Second Main Track — $91.2 million
The
17-mile corridor between Albany and Schenectady, NY, includes
construction of double track, upgrades made to an existing controlled
siding on the Empire Corridor, reconstruction of four interlockings,
installation of two new interlockings, relocation of switches, signal
system improvements, installation of signals for the second track,
trenching/burying signal and power wires, correction of identified track
deficiencies necessary to restore the existing track to a state of good
repair, the repair/rehabilitation of 16 bridges, the potential
replacement of one bridge, possible culvert repair/rehabilitation,
improvements to three grade crossings and the installation of
four-quadrant crossing gate warning devices at each crossing.

Albany-Rensselaer and Schenectady Fourth Track/Station Improvements – $58.1 million
Overall
benefits for this project include increased schedule reliability,
reduced congestion and interference between freight and passenger trains
and increased capacity and efficiency, resulting in less delay and
improved intercity passenger rail operations in this segment of the
Empire Corridor.