Amtrak begins Lewistown Station renovations April 7

Lewistown Station renovations will begin next week in Pennsylvania. Amtrak is starting work at a stop served daily by the Pennsylvanian. The route is financed primarily through funds made available by PennDOT. Also, the project is aimed at improving access. It is also meant to improve the customer experience at Lewistown Station (LEW).

Lewistown Station renovations start April 7

Construction is scheduled to begin on Tues., April 7. The work includes a 250 foot concrete boarding platform. It will be built eight inches above top of rail. In addition, the design is meant to improve accessibility. It is intended for passengers with disabilities and families with small children.

Also, the project calls for updated LED platform lighting and signage. That work is meant to improve visibility and safety. At the same time, the plan adds a new passenger drop-off zone. It also adds two ADA compliant parking stalls.

Don’t miss…Alstom signs PLN 96m deal for P5 overhauls for Traxx locomotives

Additionally, Amtrak will add a new entrance door and windows for the waiting room. It will also complete a freshly renovated ADA compliant restroom. Separately, the plan includes a new HVAC system. It is intended to improve Pennsylvania Railroad Technical and Historical Society (PRRT&HS) comfort in the station waiting area.

“As Amtrak continues modernizing stations across the country, improving the customer experience remains at the heart of our efforts,” said Amtrak Vice President of Accessibility Dr. David Handera. “The station and platform enhancements at Lewistown will create a more welcoming and functional environment for those traveling with us for years to come.”

What the Lewistown project includes?

Lewistown Station is considered the oldest depot served by Amtrak. It also houses the extensive collections of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society. Still, the station building is owned by the society.

“The society is excited to support this initiative to update the oldest remaining Pennsylvania Railroad train station to modern levels of safety and passenger support for years to come,” said Dave Evans, president of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society, owner of the station building.

The project represents a total $3.5 million federal investment. It is administered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Meanwhile, Amtrak says the work is on track for completion in spring 2027. station access information is available during the temporary construction period.

Amtrak ADA program and broader station work

The Lewistown upgrades are part of Amtrak’s broader push to improve station accessibility across its network. previous coverage by Railway Supply reflects the same wider effort. For example, 19 stations were brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in the twelve months ending Sept. 30, or Fiscal Year 2025.

Another 50 stations are targeted for completion in Fiscal Year 2026. The forecasted investment is $311 million. In addition, the Amtrak ADA Stations Program is advancing 134 station designs. It is also advancing 68 station construction projects. Still, the goal is 100% completion by 2029. That work uses funds provided by Congress through the Federal Railroad Administration.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: