Amtrak Gulf Coast Line Set to Resume Service in June After Years of Delays

Amtrak Gulf Coast Line Returns This Summer After Long-Awaited Restoration. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Amtrak Gulf Coast Line will officially resume service in June, reconnecting Mobile and New Orleans. This long-awaited project marks a significant milestone for regional transportation and economic development.

Final Construction Phase for Amtrak Gulf Coast Line Underway

The long-delayed return of Amtrak’s Gulf Coast service is finally approaching completion. Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker confirmed that the 145-mile route will be operational in June. This passenger train will connect Mobile, Alabama, with New Orleans, Louisiana. Major stops along the way include Biloxi and Gulfport in Mississippi.

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After years of planning and negotiations, construction crews are now completing the final infrastructure upgrades. In October, work began on a new train station and layover track in Mobile. This track will allow trains to pause without blocking main railway traffic. Recently, AL.com reported fencing installation around the Mobile station, signaling steady progress.

“I am excited to see the Mobile station nearing completion,” Wicker stated on February 12. “This is one of the last steps before Amtrak Gulf Coast Line service officially resumes. I am confident that trains will begin operating this summer.” His comments highlight the project’s significance for the region.

CSX, responsible for constructing the 3,000-foot layover track, confirmed contractor activity at the site. However, the company has yet to release an official timeline. Neither Amtrak nor the Southern Rail Commission has provided additional details regarding scheduling or ticket sales.

Economic Impact and Future Prospects of Amtrak Gulf Coast Line

The Gulf Coast route has remained inactive since Hurricane Katrina devastated the region in 2005. Before the storm, the service was known as the Gulf Coast Limited, an extension of Amtrak’s Sunset Limited line. The Sunset Limited currently connects Houston to both San Antonio and New Orleans.

Efforts to restore the Gulf Coast rail line have been ongoing for over a decade. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross called the project a “major infrastructure initiative.” He credited Senator Wicker and the late Senator Thad Cochran for their leadership in pushing the restoration forward.

“These large-scale projects require significant investment and cooperation,” Ross explained. “We have worked tirelessly to establish strong partnerships with the host railroads. At times, success seemed uncertain, but our persistence has paid off.”

Wicker has played a key role in advocating for the service’s return at the federal level. In January, he invited newly appointed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to Mississippi. His invitation, coinciding with Duffy’s confirmation celebrations, emphasized the expected June relaunch.

The return of the Amtrak Gulf Coast Line is expected to bring multiple benefits to the region. Restoring passenger rail service will provide a convenient alternative to highway travel. The project aligns with national goals to expand and modernize train transportation.

Despite significant progress, some logistical details remain unresolved. Neither Amtrak nor the Southern Rail Commission has released official ticket prices or a full timetable. However, with construction in its final stages, expectations remain high for a successful summer relaunch.

The revival of the Amtrak Gulf Coast Line represents a critical step forward in regional transportation. Its success may encourage further investment in rail infrastructure across the United States.

Source: www.chron.com

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