Amtrak is investing $122 million on track improvements on the Harrisburg Line, between Lancaster and Harrisburg, Pa.
The project will replace aging rail infrastructure. Work includes replacing the existing wood ties with concrete ties, installing 43 track miles of rail, and cleaning and refreshing 226,500 feet of gravel track bed to support the track structure and improve drainage.
“Amtrak is making historic infrastructure investments through projects like this one, which will replace obsolete 1950s-era rail infrastructure which is at the end of its useful life,” Amtrak Executive Vice President of Capital Delivery Laura Mason said. “We’re taking a fresh approach and expediting this important project with a combination of single and full track outages that will improve work efficiencies and reduce the duration of customer impacts.”
Work began on March 15. Between April 8 and Nov. 21, there will be series of significant track outages. Keystone Service trains will be replaced with buses while other trains will have schedule adjustments. Amtrak is urging riders to check the agency’s website or mobile app for the latest schedules.
Amtrak is working together with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to preserve ridership and with Norfolk Southern and other impacted freight shippers to minimize disruptions to their operations.