Amtrak Celebrates Improvements at Two Wisconsin Stations
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Amtrak
COLUMBUS/TOMAH, Wisc. - Amtrak celebrates upgrades made at two stations in Wisconsin.
According to Amtrak, upgrades totaling $11 million have been made at the Columbus and Tomah stations. Amtrak’s Empire Builder and Borealis trains stop twice each day at both stations. Amtrak officials held ribbon-cutting ceremonies in both Columbus and Tomah to commemorate the improvements. In the twelve months prior to September 30, Amtrak says nineteen stations have been brought up to ADA-compliance. Another 50 stations will receive planned improvements in the coming year at a cost of $310 million.
Columbus Station
Built in 1906 by Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway (Milwaukee Road), the station is located northeast of downtown. The station’s improvements include two new 350-foot-long concrete platforms with accessible paths of travels for passengers. Additionally, the station features sloped accessible walkways, energy efficient LED light fixtures, railings, detectable warning systems, and new signage. HDR served as designer of record with Enfield Enterprises, Inc. providing General Contractor services. The cost of improvements at Columbus Station is $6.3 million.
Tomah Station
Build in 1903 by the Milwaukee Road, Tomah Station is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Its improvements include a 330-foot-long heated concrete boarding platform, sloped walkways, railings, energy efficient LED light fixtures, accessible paths of travel, detectable warning systems, and new signage. Additionally, Amtrak says upgrades were made to the waiting room air conditioning and public utility connections. Michael Baker International served as designer of record with George Allen Construction providing General Contractor services. The total cost of improvements made at Tomah Station is $5 million.
“Making stations accessible to all customers is a priority we’re actively pursuing with construction, renovation, repair and upgrade projects at stations across our National Network,” said Amtrak Vice President of Accessibility Dr. David Handera. “We want all of our stations to provide a welcoming environment for every passenger.”
