ASHLAND, VIRGINIA – A construction project to improve accessibility and safety at the Amtrak stop in this historic town has been completed. Amtrak, the Federal Railroad Administration, Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and the town of Ashland partnered to advance a series of improvements including the construction of two brick platforms and placement of two mobile lifts and accompanying canopy. Mobile lifts are available on each platform and benefit all customers with wheeled luggage or strollers, in addition to passengers who use mobility devices.
“We are making these kinds of investments across our national network,” Amtrak Vice President Dr. David Handera said. “We want Ashland and all of our stations to be welcoming and a comfortable environment to all of our customers.”
“The upgrades at the Ashland station make rail service more accessible and an even better option for those travelers with mobility issues. Through the strong partnership between the town of Ashland, Amtrak and VPRA, using the Ashland station is now safer and more convenient for all Amtrak passengers.”
VPRA Executive Director DJ Stadtler
To date Amtrak has completed 162 Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) station-related projects as part of its ADA Stations Program with 16 stations brought into ADA compliance last fiscal year for $58 million. Another 41 stations are targeted for completion in fiscal year 2022 at a forecasted investment of $126 million. Amtrak is advancing 120 station designs and 40 station construction projects as part of its ongoing commitment to providing accessibility for all its customers.
Amtrak and the town also collaborated on a redesign of one block of N. Railroad Avenue where the station is located. A new site design allows for a safer experience for customers and pedestrians, and a modified vehicle traffic pattern. The new platforms connect to sidewalks, crosswalks and a pedestrian grade crossing for customers to safely travel between trains and the station. “The Ashland platform improvement project is a great benefit to the community,” Ashland Town Manager Joshua Farrar said.
Amtrak and the VPRA are partners in bringing daily Northeast Regional service to Ashland and other Virginia communities.
Posted June 16, 2022
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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