Amtrak, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) announced Monday that they had completed the third track project on the Northeast Corridor.
The $71.2 million project increases capacity between Wilmington and Newark, Del., and included the installation of 1.5 miles of new, electrified main line third track between Ragan and Yard interlockings, as well as a bridge replacement and other improvements that will eliminate a previous two-track bottleneck.
Officials said the change would improve on-time performance, reduce delays and improve that section of the railroad overall.
“This project is nearly 20 years in the making, and I am thrilled that we are finally going to reap the benefits of improved, more reliable rail service along the Northeast Corridor,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, ranking member on the Environment and Public Works Committee and a frequent Amtrak rider. “We must continue to improve our nation’s transportation infrastructure in a way that promotes multi-modal transportation and takes cars off the road, for the sake of safety, congestion, and our environment. This project is a great example of a good public investment that benefits passengers, drivers, the air we breathe and promotes improvements to rail service in the future.”
The project was a shared benefit investment as part of an agreement between DTC and Amtrak signed in 2011. The funding for the project came from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) grants, as well as Amtrak funds.
“This year started as one of the best for Amtrak, and while ridership is down, the completion of this project and removal of a significant bottleneck will mean more commuter and intercity trains can use the Northeast Corridor and increase the potential volume of rail service through Delaware,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Coons. “Our transportation system and passenger rail network desperately need additional investment and a focus on building the infrastructure we deserve. This project is an example of how we can make much-needed infrastructure upgrades, and I am grateful for the investments Amtrak has made in Delaware along with the federal government and state to make this project possible.”