Acela maintenance center plans are moving forward in Newark, Delaware, where Alstom has acquired around 20 acres, or 80,937 sq m, for a new facility serving Amtrak’s next-generation Acela fleet.

Acela maintenance center planned in Newark
Photo: Amtrak

The company said the investment is valued at more than $55 million⁠. That amount covers both the land purchase and development of the site.

Acela maintenance center to support Amtrak fleet

The location was selected because it gives the facility direct access to the Northeast Corridor, one of the most important rail transport routes in the United States. The center will support the implementation of Alstom’s Technical Support and Spare Parts Supply Agreement, known as TSSSA, with Amtrak.

Michael Keroullé, President and CEO of Alstom Americas, said:

“This Newark facility will be critical to the long-term performance and reliability of the fastest and most advanced trains in the United States under our care,”

The Newark site will include a maintenance facility designed to service two trains at the same time. An outside track will also be added for parking and rolling stock storage. Completion is scheduled for summer 2028.

Newark site will add maintenance capacity

Alstom will also convert an existing building for storage and office use, with the space incorporated into a parts distribution center for the new operation.

After opening, the facility is expected to create about 100 jobs⁠. This includes 50 employees who will move from the current New Castle site, which maintains the first-generation Acela trains, and another 50 positions added as part of the business expansion.

Direct access to the national rail infrastructure through the Northeast Corridor will facilitate rapid train movements into and out of the facility.

TSSSA contract linked to NextGen Acela trains

TSSSA contracts form part of Alstom’s FlexCare Perform portfolio. They are designed to help keep passenger rolling stock available for continuous operation through quick access to spare parts and maintenance work.

According to company representatives, the Newark investment is expected to contribute to increasing the reliability of NextGen Acela trains⁠ and support local economic development in Delaware. The center will also expand Alstom’s maintenance capacity on one of the country’s most important rail routes and reinforce its presence in the US market.