DEVILS LAKE AND FARGO, N.D. – Amtrak passengers have a more accessible experience at five North Dakota stations following about $30 million in upgrades. The Empire Builder stops twice daily at stations on this route between Seattle/Portland and Chicago.
Amtrak VP of Accessibility Dr. David Handera and civic leaders held ribbon-cutting celebrations in October 2025 in both Devils Lake and Fargo while also promoting improvements in Rugby, Stanley and Williston, all enhancing the passenger experience.
“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. We want all of our stations to provide a welcoming environment for every passenger.”
– Amtrak VP of Accessibility Dr. David Handera
Amtrak has invested more than $1 billion since 2011 in accessibility upgrades and improvement projects at 144 stations across its national network to ensure a safe, efficient and comfortable travel experience. Seventeen stations were brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act this year and another 50 stations are targeted for completion in the next year at a forecasted investment of $311 million.
This program is advancing 144 station designs and 68 station construction projects as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to providing accessibility at 100% of stations by 2029.
Project Overview
Devils Lake: $4.5 million
The Devils Lake station was built in 1907 by the Great Northern Railway (GN) and contributes to the city’s historic district. A new 300-foot concrete boarding platform with brick finish provides accessible paths of travel to and from the depot. The platform is equipped with a snowmelt system to enhance safety and accessibility, with sloped walkways and safety barriers, energy efficient LED light fixtures that provide full coverage lighting at the platform, detectable warning systems and new signage.
Fargo: $4.5 million
Amtrak uses the former Railway Express building next to the old passenger depot, both erected by the GN in 1906, two blocks east of downtown. It is a contributing property within the Downtown Fargo District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A 645-foot concrete boarding platform and accessible paths of travel to and from the station are in place, with a designated parking area (left image). The construction of sloped accessible walkways, railings, egress gates, energy efficient LED light fixtures, detectable warning systems and new signage is complete. The interior of the Amtrak station has also been refreshed (right image).
Rugby: $10.4 million
The GN built the Rugby depot in 1907, and it is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The new 750-foot concrete boarding platform with brick finish is equipped with a snowmelt system to enhance safety with accessible paths of travel to and from the depot and new designated parking area. Sloped walkways and safety barriers, energy efficient LED light fixtures that provide full coverage lighting at the platform, detectable warning systems and new signage have been completed. The station interior has also been refreshed.
Stanley: $0.4 million
The GN built the Stanley depot in 1922. A new accessible path of travel to connect the depot and designated parking area was constructed. Detectable warning systems were repaired and replaced on the existing platform and additional platform and station signage was added. The station interior has also been refreshed.
Williston: $10 million
Opened by the GN in 1910, the Williston depot and platform are noted for their historic significance by the state. A new 700-foot concrete boarding platform with brick finish connects accessible paths of travel to and from the depot and new designated parking area. The platform is equipped with a snowmelt system to enhance safety. Sloped walkways, railings, egress, energy efficient LED light fixtures, detectable warning systems, and new signage throughout will be complete next month.
Posted October 20, 2025.
Amtrak established the Great American Stations Project in 2006 to educate communities on the benefits of redeveloping train stations, offer tools to community leaders to preserve their stations, and provide the appropriate Amtrak resources.
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