Amtrak Announces NEC Infrastructure Improvements

Amtrak

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Along the NEC, Amtrak will invest $124 million in track maintenance which includes updating track and replacing switches.

In a press release, Amtrak has announced infrastructure improvements on the Northeast Corridor. Over the summer, Amtrak maintains its efforts to improve track annually. From now until the end of September, Amtrak tells its customers that they may experience delays due to track maintenance. 

Laura Mason, Amtrak Executive Vice President, Capital Delivery stated that “Updating railroad infrastructure is a fundamental component of our plan to deliver a new era of rail by modernizing the Amtrak fleet, building new bridges and tunnels, revitalizing stations and redefining the customer experience for the modern era.”

Funds from grants, federal programs, revenue, and state and local contributions totaling $130 million will be used for rail improvements. $124 million of those funds will be used in track maintenance investments this summer. 

Amtrak has laid out what trackwork will be taking place. This includes “replacing 40 track switches throughout New York and Mid-Atlantic regions, updating 25 miles of track in the Mid-Atlantic region, and completing over one million feet of surfacing work across the entire NEC for high-speed rail.” 

Moreover, Amtrak has warned its customers to be aware of increasing temperatures this summer and its effect on expansion of rail, bridge, and overhead wires. As a precaution, Amtrak will enact “temporary heat restrictions” as required. These temporary heat restrictions will require trains to operate at reduced speeds.