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April 21, 2025

Amtrak Advances Upgrades at Two Western Pennsylvania Stations

Improvements in the works at Greensburg and Latrobe Stations

PITTSBURGH – Amtrak is advancing critical improvements and repairs at Latrobe (LAB) and Greensburg (GNB), two historic train stations located in western Pennsylvania that date back to the early 1900s. Both stations are served daily by the Pennsylvanian train, which is financed primarily through funds made available by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

“Amtrak’s preservation and revitalization of these historic train stations will help better serve residents and visitors in Western Pennsylvania for decades to come,” said Amtrak Vice President, Accessibility, Stations and Facilities Dr. David Handera. “We are dedicated to working with our partners to restore and modernize the stations we serve both here in the Commonwealth and across America.”

Intercity rail provides a vital link between smaller towns like Greensburg and Latrobe and larger metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia and New York, offering an accessible travel option for work, education, healthcare, and leisure. Both stations set five-year ridership records in Fiscal Year 2024, with nearly 12,000 travelers using Greensburg Station and 3,400 passengers at Latrobe Station. The Latrobe Station opened in 1903, and the Greensburg Station opened in 1910.

🚉 Latrobe Station – Early Construction Phase

Final preparation is underway at LAB before formal construction work begins later this year. Improvements will bring the station up to code with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and include:

  • Constructing a new concrete platform and encasing canopy bases in concrete
  • Installing new electrical service and lighting along the entire platform and ramp
  • Adding two sloped walkways to connect the shelter entrance and new platform
  • Building an accessible walkway from the public right-of-way to the accessible parking, station shelter, and platform
  • Designating accessible parking and an ADA compliant ramp with handrails and canopy to platform
  • Renovating entrance to shelter for accessible access
  • Providing new concrete stairs, foundations, and existing stair canopy foundations
  • Resurfacing, striping, and modifying the parking lot
  • Updating station signage

🚂 Greensburg Station – Design Phase

Currently in the design phase, project renderings and specifications recently reached 100% completion, and GNB construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.

The project team is actively seeking design approval from external third-party stakeholders, including Norfolk Southern (the host railroad), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPO), and the station building owner.

This project includes:

  • Replacing the existing concrete low-level platform with two new concrete platforms
  • Removing and relocating existing platform canopy structures with new foundations and roofing, plus a new drainage system
  • Adding new stair and elevator platform enclosures
  • Relocating the existing wheelchair lift enclosure and constructing a new concrete sloped walkway and landing area
  • Designating two new ADA parking spaces
  • Installing new platform wiring and lighting
  • Constructing new concrete stairs from platform to tunnel level
  • Adding two new ADA compliant restrooms
  • Installing ADA compliant entrance automatic doors with new flooring at the existing tunnel hallway, utility room, and restrooms

These improvements are being implemented by Amtrak in coordination with host railroad partner Norfolk Southern and state partner PennDOT. These upgrades are two essential components of Amtrak’s infrastructure investments across the United States, which play an important role in upgrading the future customer experience and delivering a new era of passenger rail in America.

REACTIONS

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA)

“This investment by Amtrak is great news for Western Pennsylvania. When our transportation infrastructure is accessible and updated, everyone benefits. As the Latrobe and Greensburg Stations see a rise in ridership, I’m grateful Amtrak is prioritizing the preservation and revitalization of these historic stations.”

Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA)

“A modern and robust public transit system makes Pennsylvania more accessible and competitive. I’m pleased that Amtrak is investing in western Pennsylvania and is continuing to make improvements to provide residents and visitors alike with opportunities for work and play in our beautiful Commonwealth.”

State Senator Marty Flynn, Democratic Chairman of the Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee

“I applaud Amtrak’s commitment to improving accessibility and preserving the historic character of the Latrobe and Greensburg stations. These investments are essential to strengthening regional connectivity and ensuring all Pennsylvanians can benefit from reliable, modern passenger rail. From Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, and everywhere in between, all travelers from and through Pennsylvania will be better served thanks to these essential upgrades.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward

“This is great news for our historic train stations in Westmoreland County as railways have long been an important part of our community and the transportation of our residents, goods and services. We look forward to working with Amtrak to ensure safety through modernization as ridership continues to hit record highs at the Greensburg and Latrobe stations, and as we continue to explore ways to increase the use of rail services and routes.”

Majority Chair Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee, State Representative Ed Neilson

“The preservation and revitalization of these historic train stations will serve as a vital link from rural Western Pennsylvania to bustling cities in the commonwealth. The improvements will help us stay connected to our history while moving us forward in transportation modernization.”

City of Latrobe Mayor Eric J. Bartels

“The City of Latrobe is ready for work to begin on the Amtrak station! Our residents will be pleased with not only its functional updates that enhance its safety and operability, but also the restoration of sorts to the station’s historic appeal. The vital role rails have played in the development of Latrobe elevates the need for the updates that are coming around the bend!”