Celebrating a Milestone for the Wells Area Improvement Project

NNEPRA was proud to mark the substantial completion of the Wells Area Improvement Project on October 26, 2026, at the Wells Regional Transportation Center in Wells, Maine.

The event brought together project partners, community leaders, and transportation representatives to celebrate this important milestone for Amtrak Downeaster service. Event speakers included Jim Cohen, NNEPRA Board Chairman; David Fink, Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration; Peter Butler, Region 1 Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration; Dale Doughty, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation; Andre Briere, Director of the Maine Turnpike Authority; Maurice O’Connell of CSX Transportation; Jon Smith of Great Falls Construction; Michael Pardue, Wells Town Manager; Sarah Lawrence, representing the Office of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree; Sarah Stanley, representing the Office of Senator Angus S. King Jr.; and Pam Buck, representing the Office of Senator Susan Collins.

The program included remarks from project partners, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and a welcome to the first Downeaster passengers using the new platform structure. The participation of federal, state, and local transportation leaders, along with project partners, highlighted the collaboration and shared commitment that made this important milestone possible.

A special highlight was the recognition of MaineDOT’s Nate Moulton for his many years of dedication and contributions to NNEPRA and the Downeaster service. His longstanding commitment and partnership have played an important role in advancing passenger rail in Maine and throughout the region.

The ceremony also honored Patsy Bragdon, a longtime volunteer/ staff member who dedicated more than 21 years of service at the Wells Regional Transportation Center. A commemorative plaque was presented in recognition of her years of dedication, service to passengers, and lasting contributions to the Downeaster community.

The event celebrated not only progress in passenger rail infrastructure, but also the people and partnerships whose dedication, collaboration, and service have helped make these achievements possible. The substantial completion of the Wells Area Improvement Project represents another important step forward in enhancing the passenger experience and supporting the future of passenger rail in Maine and the region.

– Taylor Auclair, Marketing Director, NNEPRA

Improving Wayfinding at Woburn

At Woburn’s Anderson Transportation Center, additional wayfinding signage is being installed to make it easier for Downeaster passengers to find their way to the train boarding area.

Led by Brian Beeler, Manager of Passenger Service, the effort focuses on a simple but important part of the customer journey: helping passengers know where to go when they arrive at the station.

Clear, easy-to-follow signage can reduce confusion and uncertainty, particularly for first-time riders, and helps passengers navigate the station with greater confidence.

The project is a great example of how attention to the details of the passenger experience can make traveling by rail more welcoming and accessible.

– Taylor Auclair, Marketing Director, NNEPRA

Groundbreaking Investments In New England

Major investments in rail infrastructure are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more connected transportation network across Northern New England.

NNEPRA was proud to participate in two groundbreaking infrastructure milestones that will have lasting impacts on passengers, communities, freight operators, and the regional economy: the North Station Draw One Bridge Replacement Project in Boston and the Haverhill Double-Track Project along the Haverhill Commuter Rail Line.

Together, these projects represent significant investments in the future of rail transportation and will directly benefit Amtrak’s Downeaster, commuter rail passengers, and freight operations.

– Taylor Auclair, Marketing Director, NNEPRA

Relocating Portland Station

Last month, the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) and the public got word that NNEPRA would receive $48 million in federal funding for the design and construction of a new Amtrak Downeaster passenger rail station on St. John Street in Portland. This was fantastic news, and credit goes to many stakeholders, including to Maine’s congressional delegation.

Understandably, there have been questions about moving the station, but there’s an incredible amount of optimism for a project that can re-energize part of the city, improve connections in the region and save time and money.

Read the Full Story: Written by Chairman Cohen and Vice Chairman Cassavant | Published by the Portland Press Herald