This summer, Amtrak is investing 260 million USD in infrastructure improvements on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) to enhance the reliability, safety, and efficiency of its rail services.
This investment represents a 109% increase compared to last year’s summer infrastructure renewal programme. It will contribute to Amtrak’s broader strategy to increase annual ridership to 66 million by 2040.
Annual infrastructure renewal work to deliver passenger rail improvements
© Amtrak
“In addition to our ongoing catenary inspection and repair program, we’re renewing our tracks, signals and other railroad infrastructure across the Northeast Corridor and Harrisburg Line, while also advancing major projects for new tunnels, bridges, trains and other historic investments. Thanks to new, innovative approaches and the support of our partners, we’re transforming the way we work to advance these upgrades in a more effective and efficient manner, enabling us to complete more work in less time.”
Specifically, the infrastructure work includes:
- Replacing over 75,500 railroad ties and 32 track miles of rail
- Improving track stability across more than 170 miles of track
- Renewing more than 35 track switches
Funding for these projects comes from a mix of Amtrak grants, federal programmes, state and local contributions, and Amtrak revenue.
While the track work is completed, passengers on the NEC may encounter minor delays. However, in the long run, the upgrades will deliver increased reliability, improved ride quality, and better on-time performance.