Customers benefit from $30 million federal investment statewide
DEVILS LAKE and FARGO, N.D. – Amtrak passengers have a more accessible experience at five North Dakota stations following about $30 million in upgrades. The Amtrak Empire Builder [1] stops twice daily at stations on this route between Seattle or Portland and Chicago.
“Making stations accessible to all customers is a priority we’re actively pursuing with construction, renovation, repair and upgrade projects at stations across our National Network,” said Amtrak Vice President of Accessibility Dr. David Handera. “We want all of our stations to provide a welcoming environment for every passenger.”
Handera and civic leaders held ribbon-cutting celebrations this week in both Devils Lake and Fargo while also promoting the improvements in Rugby, Stanley and Williston, all enhancing the passenger experience.
Amtrak has invested more than $1 billion since 2011 in accessibility upgrades and improvement projects at 144 stations across the national network to ensure a safe, efficient, and comfortable travel experience. Seventeen stations were brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act this year and another 50 stations are targeted for completion in the next year at a forecasted investment of $311 million.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is still delivering for North Dakota. It’s great to see Amtrak stations across the state receive some much-needed upgrades. These funds at the Devils Lake, Fargo, Rugby, Stanley, and Williston stations will go a long way increasing safety and accessibility for travelers,” said Senator Kevin Cramer [2] (R-N.D.).
Devils Lake (DVL): [3] $4.5 million
- The Devils Lake Station was built in 1907 by the Great Northern Railway (GN) and contributes to the city’s historic district. A new 300-foot concrete boarding platform with brick finish provides accessible paths of travel to and from the station building. The platform is equipped with a snowmelt system to enhance safety and accessibility, with sloped walkways and safety barriers, energy efficient LED light fixtures that provide full coverage lighting at the platform, detectable warning systems, and new signage.
- The designer of record for the project is Michael Baker International [4] (MBI), an internationally recognized architecture and engineering firm that specializes in infrastructure and transportation. Collage Companies [5] provided general contractor services, with Construction Engineers [6] of Grand Forks, N.D., as major subconsultant for the project completion next month. Additional North Dakota subcontractors and suppliers that aided in the success of the project include: Klemetsrud Plumbing & Heating (Devils Lake), Strata Corporation Ready Mix (Devils Lake), Integrity Steel Supply (Mapleton) Quality Coatings and Tile (Fargo), Missouri Basin Materials (Bismarck), Wir3d Electric, Inc. (Fargo), Bartsch Electrical (Rugby), Berger Enterprises, LLC (Emerado), Opp Construction LLC (Grand Forks), and Widseth Smith Nolting (Crookston).
Fargo (FAR): [7] $4.5 million
- Amtrak uses the former express building next to the station, both erected by GN in 1906, two blocks east of downtown. It is listed as a contributing property within the National Register-listed Downtown Fargo District. A 645-foot concrete boarding platform and accessible paths of travel to and from the station are in place, with a designated parking area. The construction of sloped accessible walkways, railings, egress gates, energy efficient LED light fixtures, detectable warning systems, and new signage is complete. The interior of the Amtrak station has also been refreshed.
- The designer of record for the project is GFT Infrastructure Inc. [8], a nationally recognized architecture and engineering firm that specializes in infrastructure and transportation. Krische Construction Inc. (KCI), [9] provided General Contractor services for the project. Multiple North Dakota subcontractors were involved in the project, including: Fargo Glass (Fargo), Neset Survey (Fargo), American Engineering Testing (Williston), and Industrial Contract Services (Grand Forks).
Rugby (RUG): [10] $10.4 million
- GN built the Rugby station in 1907 and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The new 750-foot concrete boarding platform with brick finish is equipped with a snowmelt system to enhance safety with accessible paths of travel to and from the station building and new designated parking area. Sloped walkways and safety barriers, energy efficient LED light fixtures that provide full coverage lighting at the platform, detectable warning systems, and new signage have been completed. The station interior has also been refreshed.
- The designer of record for the project is MBI and Granite Construction Co. [11] provided general contractor services for the project to be complete next month. North Dakota subcontractors and suppliers used during the project include Deplazes Readi-Mix (Rugby), Precision Borders (Rugby), Lunseth Plumbing and Heating Co. (Grand Forks), White Mountain Electric (Williston), Keller Paving (Minot), Riedhammer Masonry (Grand Forks), and American Engineering Testing (Fargo).
Stanley (STN): [12] $0.4 million
- GN built the Stanley station depot in 1922. A new accessible path of travel to connect the station building and designated parking area was constructed. Detectable warning systems were repaired and replaced on the existing platform and additional platform and station signage was added. The station interior has also been refreshed.
- The designer of record for the project is STV and KCI provided general contractor services for the project. Two local subcontractors provided services throughout the project: American Engineering Testing (Williston, N.D.) and Benchmark Land Surveying (Sydney, Mont.).
Williston (WTN): [13] $10 million
- Opened by GN in 1910, the Williston station and platform are noted for their historic significance by the State of North Dakota. A new 700-foot concrete boarding platform with brick finish connects accessible paths of travel to and from the station building and new designated parking area. The platform is equipped with a snowmelt system to enhance safety. Sloped walkways, railings, egress, energy efficient LED light fixtures, detectable warning systems, and new signage throughout will be complete next month.
- The designer of record is MBI and general contractor KCI provided services for the project. Multiple North Dakota subcontractors provided services throughout the project: A&A Landscape (Williston), American Engineering Testing (Williston), Industrial Contract Services (Grand Forks), Mowbray & Sons (Minot), Fargo Glass (Fargo), and Almquist Welding (Watford City).
This program is advancing 144 station designs and 68 station construction projects as part of the ongoing Amtrak commitment to providing accessibility at 100% of stations by 2029.