CONNERSVILLE, IND. – Amtrak customers now have a smoother, brighter and more accessible journey with the completion of a $1.9 million project at the Connersville, Indiana, station. The Cardinal travels three-days-weekly between New York City and Chicago, with a stop in Connersville.
Amtrak, working with the city, made improvements that include the construction of a new concrete platform meeting the specifications of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Other upgrades include the installation of new lighting, a ramp, a new connection to the public right of way and upgrades to the parking lot.
“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 Connersville and all of our stations to be a welcoming and comfortable environment to all of our customers.”
“The City of Connersville is overjoyed with the upgrades that have been made here in our community. Connersville is seeing growth in our community, and we anticipate that the recent improvements to the station will encourage an increase in travelers.”
Connersville Mayor Chad Frank
Amtrak has served Connersville since 1990, when members of the local Rotary Club raised funds to erect a brick shelter along the now-improved platform. Nearby is the depot built in 1914 by the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railroad, a building in railroad use today by CSX Transportation. The new platform harmonizes with the historic station through tint and texture.
Amtrak has invested $770 million since 2011 in accessibility upgrades and improvement projects at 118 stations across the 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, renovations to entranceways and restrooms, with 20 stations brought into ADA compliance last year. Another 20 stations are targeted for completion in fiscal year 2023 at a forecasted investment of $125 million.
The Amtrak ADA Stations Program is currently advancing 143 station designs and 39 station construction projects as part of Amtrak’s ongoing commitment to providing accessibility by working toward 100% completion by 2029.
Posted September 1, 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.
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