Amtrak recently completed the $2.5 million Selma-Smithfield Union Depot project in Selma, N.C.
“Providing an accessible travel experience is a priority and we’re actively advancing construction, renovation, repair, and upgrade projects at stations across our national network,” Dr. David Handera, Amtrak vice president, said. “We are pleased we delivered these improvements to the Selma-Smithfield Union Depot.”
Work included adding accessible parking spaces, adding accessible pathways extending from the parking lot to the station and platform, and a 325-foot-long concrete platform featuring additional lighting, guardrails, and signage.
The platform includes a detectable warning system to alert customers who are blind or have low vision that they are close to the platform’s edge.
The Amtrak Carolinian and Palmetto provide daily service to the depot. The North Carolina Department of Transportation sponsors the Carolinian. The line runs between New York and Charlotte. The Palmetto runs between New York and Savannah.
Amtrak has set the goal of providing accessibility at all of its stations by 2029. Since 2011, it has invested more than $800 million in accessibility upgrades and improvement projects at 117 stations. Improvements include repairs, renovations and upgrades to entranceways, platforms, ramps and sidewalks, and restrooms.
In 2023, 20 stations were brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.