The U.S. Department of Transportation and the state of Maine have finalized a $35 million grant agreement allowing work to begin on the rehabilitation and expansion of the popular state-supported Downeaster Amtrak intercity passenger service, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced.
The Downeaster project will improve 36 highway-rail grade crossings, upgrade numerous wayside signals and install signals on the Brunswick Branch.
The $35 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant will augment additional funds from the state of Maine to cover the cost of rehabilitating approximately 26.4 miles of rail lines and construction of two Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant passenger platforms.
“This project is a great example of what the Recovery Act is all about,” said LaHood. “We’re giving travelers better options while putting people in Maine back to work and improving New England’s rail infrastructure. That's a win for everyone.”
The Downeaster-Portland North Project will extend service from Portland to Brunswick, with a stop in Freeport, Maine. Construction on the project is expected to begin as early as July 6, 2010, and continue over the next 28 months.
The Downeaster operates five daily roundtrips between Portland, Maine, and Boston. The expanded service is expected to increase ridership, improve connectivity and balance passenger flow.
“Extending Amtrak service north to Freeport and Brunswick has long been a goal of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, and the start of this important infrastructure project is welcome news,” said Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). “Not only will this create jobs, it will also help encourage tourism, therefore boosting the economy in the Midcoast region.”