Posted on 10/24/21
| News Source: WBAL TV
After years of discussion, Baltimore's Penn Station is finally getting a major upgrade.
Amtrak officials joined community and legislative leaders Friday to break ground on the $150 million redevelopment of Penn Station. The historic train station was built in 1911. The last time it got an upgrade was in 1984.
As a frequent @Amtrak traveler, I’m excited to see @BaltPennStation receive such a substantial investment. This station has been a major transportation hub in Baltimore for over a century, and this investment ensures it will continue to serve our community for years to come. pic.twitter.com/HIoBEGfDW2
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) October 22, 2021
From its platforms to the tracks, the project will also include community development.
"Those investments will be spread across two programs, about $90 million for this station and the remainder for the tracks to create the kind of capacity and reliability we need to expand transport in the coming years," said Stephen Gardner, president of Amtrak.
Penn Station serves as the primary transportation hub in Baltimore. The project includes a renewed overhead electrical system and an upgraded 30-mile stretch of track between Baltimore and Washington's Union Station. Amtrak said its platform improvements will be more accessible and better accommodate Amtrak's new Acela high-speed rail trains, which are set to launch next year.
"We are rebuilding low-level platforms into (American Disabilities Act)-compliant high-level platforms here at Penn Station," Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn said.
Along with Penn Station, Amtrak said it's committed to community development with plans to help transform vacant land into a mixed-use development with up to 1 million square feet of office, retail and residential space.
Amtrak customers have mixed feelings about the upgrades.
"I think it's good. It's a landmark, and I think any refurbishing will be well-suited," said Chris Barnes, a customer.
Construction will take place in phases over the next three years