JEFFERSON CITY, MO. – On September 21, Amtrak, city and state officials gathered at the Jefferson City station to celebrate completion of a $1.4 million facility improvement project. The Amtrak Missouri River Runner operates between St. Louis and Kansas City with stops in the state capital twice daily eastbound and westbound.
Amtrak, working with the city, advanced a series of accessibility improvements in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that includes a new platform, ramps, signage, lighting and guardrails, as well as a new connection to the public right of way.
Replacing the former asphalt platform is a newly constructed 325-foot-long concrete platform that provides a level surface for wheeled mobility device users. A tactile detectable warning system along the full length of the platform provides guidance to passengers with vision disabilities. A new concrete ramp and landing near Jefferson Street ensure an accessible path of travel to the new platform, with a second ramp located at the west end of the platform.
In consultation with the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office, LED pole-mounted light fixtures were installed on the platform and pathways to provide newly lighted and safer spaces. They were also designed to complement the historic fabric of the site and style of the surrounding streetlights.
“Making our stations accessible to all customers is a priority and we’re actively performing construction, renovation, repair and upgrade projects at stations across our national network,” said Amtrak Vice President Dr. David Handera. “We want Jefferson City and all of our stations to be a welcoming and comfortable environment to all of our customers.”
“We are well aware that as the capital city, it is important that citizens be able to access state government and other facilities in our beautiful city. Amtrak is a critical piece of our transportation infrastructure,” said Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater, who spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We are excited for the enhancement to facilities here in Jefferson City,” he added.
The Jefferson City station is staffed daily by a dedicated group of volunteers using a temporary facility until the state-owned historic building normally used as a passenger facility can be reopened. Amtrak operates the Missouri River Runner under a contract with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).
“At MoDOT, we are proud to have a partnership with Amtrak and communities across the state. This route supports thousands of jobs and generates hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity for this state.”
MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna
Amtrak has invested $793 million since 2011 in accessibility upgrades and improvement projects at 118 stations across its national network to ensure a safe, efficient and comfortable travel experience for customers with disabilities. The improvements include repairs and upgrades to platforms, ramps and sidewalks, and renovations to entranceways and restrooms, with 20 stations brought into ADA compliance last year. Another 20 stations are targeted for completion this fiscal year at a forecasted investment of $125 million.
The company is advancing 143 station designs and 39 station construction projects as part of its ongoing commitment to providing accessibility by working toward 100% completion by 2029.
Posted September 22, 2023.
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.
For more than 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and modernized train travel. Offering a safe, environmentally efficient way to reach more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada, Amtrak provides travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the