Amtrak Celebrates Upgrades at Iowa Stations

Customers benefit from $20 million in federal investments

MT. PLEASANT and OTTUMWA, Iowa – Amtrak passengers have a more welcoming experience at two Iowa stations following about $20 million in upgrades celebrated today. Amtrak California Zephyr trains stop twice daily at Mt. Pleasant, Ottumwa and three other Iowa stations.

“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.”

Amtrak and civic leaders held ribbon-cutting celebrations in both cities and promoted improvements nationwide to enhance the passenger experience by providing a level surface for wheeled mobility device, stroller and rolling luggage users. Nineteen stations were brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in the 12 months ending Sept. 30 and another 50 stations are targeted for completion in the next year at a forecasted investment of $310 million.

These improvements focus on supporting Amtrak’s goals to enhance the customer experience and bring greater integrated and comprehensive accessibility to stations across the country.

Mt. Pleasant (MTP) $5.5 million

• The Mt. Pleasant depot was built of pressed brick by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad in 1912. The station now features 480- and 600 foot-long concrete platforms and accessible paths of travel to and from the station building. Complete are sloped accessible 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 GFT, an internationally recognized architecture and engineering firm that specializes in infrastructure and transportation. George Allen Construction provided General Contractor services for the project. Iowa subcontractors are DC Concrete (Douds), ESCO Electric (Marion), Ken-Way (Walford), and Pierce Fence Company (Ottumwa).

Ottumwa (OTM) $14.5 million

• The original Ottumwa depot was built in 1889 by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. The railroad had this structure razed and rebuilt in 1950. The station now features a 1000-foot long, concrete boarding platform with a restored canopy and accessible paths of travel to and from the station building. Complete are sloped accessible 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 JacobsWyper Architects, an award-winning architectural, planning and interior design firm. George Allen Construction provided General Contractor services. Iowa subcontractors are DC Concrete (Douds), Ken-Way Excavating (Walford), Pierce Fence Company (Ottumwa), Dave Bessine Electric (Burlington), T and K Roofing and Sheet Metal (Iowa City), Falvey Lumber (Eddyville), and A1 Mobile Storage (Manchester).

Amtrak has invested more than $1 billion since 2011 in accessibility upgrades and improvement projects at 159 stations across the national network to ensure a safe, efficient, and comfortable travel experience for customers. The ADA Stations Program is advancing 126 station designs and 89 station construction projects as part of Amtrak’s ongoing commitment to providing accessibility by working toward 100% completion by 2029.

These Amtrak projects receive specific Congressional funding directed by the Federal Railroad Administration.

Reactions:

“Southeast Iowa families, veterans, seniors, and travelers with disabilities deserve rail stations that are safe, accessible, and modern. These upgrades at Mount Pleasant Amtrak Station are a real, tangible investment in our community and in the people who depend on this service every day. $19 million going directly into Iowa’s rail infrastructure means better connections, greater accessibility, and a stronger future for southeast Iowa. I’m proud to celebrate this milestone with Mount Pleasant and look forward to seeing the difference it makes for years to come,” said Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa1).

“The Mount Pleasant Amtrak station serves as an important transportation connection for our community and the surrounding region. These accessibility improvements will help ensure that all passengers can safely and comfortably access rail service for years to come. We appreciate Amtrak’s investment in Mount Pleasant and their commitment to improving the experience for residents and visitors alike,” said Mayor Steve Brimhall.

“Amtrak continues to be an essential partner with the City of Ottumwa and it is great to see the official opening of the new, fully accessible platform as another improvement to an Historic Landmark in Ottumwa and the outstanding service provided by Amtrak,” said Mayor Benjamin Foote.