Tag: Station Experience

NNEPRA Announces Major Milestone | Wells Area Improvement Project Update

Pedestrian Bridge, Elevator Towers, and Precast Platform Installed

WELLS, MAINE — The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) has announced that Great Falls Construction has installed the new passenger platforms at the Wells Regional Transportation Center, as well as the structural steel to support elevator towers and an elevated pedestrian bridge connecting the new platforms. These critical steps in the Wells Area Improvement Project (Project), sponsored by NNEPRA, mark visible progress toward improved and increased Amtrak Downeaster service throughout the region. The Project, designed by VHB, is being constructed by Great Falls Construction of Gorham, ME, with oversight provided by WSP. 

“We’re thrilled to reach another major milestone in the Wells Area Improvement Project,” said Patrick Harrington, Project Manager at Great Falls Construction. “Placing critical structures using one of the largest mobile cranes in the state required detailed coordination and teamwork. Our project team, alongside our valued partners, executed this effort with precision and a shared commitment to safety. We’re proud of the steady progress and the strong collaboration that continues to drive this project forward.”

The Project, funded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT), and CSX Transportation, began in 2021 and includes a 6-mile extension of rail infrastructure, completed by CSX in December 2024, as well as expanded station facilities designed to increase operational efficiency.  Once complete, the Project, in conjunction with signal upgrades, will enable Amtrak to operate an additional Downeaster round-trip between Brunswick and Wells, scheduled to provide southern Maine commuters with car-free workday access into the Greater Portland region.

    • Quincy Henzel, Director of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, noted the impact on economic growth, commenting that,  “This project fuels regional growth by paving the way for expanded service that will benefit businesses, commuters, visitors and our communities across Greater Portland.” 

    The Town of Wells staffs and manages the Wells Transportation Center per a lease agreement with the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA).  “The Town greatly appreciates the collaborative working relationship we have had with NNEPRA and MTA in the development and construction of this Project, which provides a fabulous opportunity to better connect Wells and surrounding communities to jobs, attractions, and schools between Boston and Brunswick,” commented Michael Pardue, Wells Town Manager.

     “Seeing the vision come to life on site serves as an incredible reminder of the transformative impact this Project will have on passengers and communities along the Downeaster corridor.” said Patricia Quinn, NNEPRA Executive Director, noting that the new station platforms and facility are expected to be completed in 2026.

    – Taylor Auclair, Marketing Director at NNEPRA

    NNEPRA Participates in “See Tracks? Think Train!” Rail Safety Week

    Set for September 15-21, 2025

    PORTLAND, MAINE — The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), in partnership with Amtrak Downeaster, is proud to participate in “See Tracks? Think Train!” Week, taking place September 15–21, 2025, in support of Operation Lifesaver’s national rail safety campaign. This initiative aims to raise public awareness and reduce preventable injuries and deaths around railroad tracks and trains.

    Throughout the week, NNEPRA will share important rail safety tips across social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, and will engage communities through in-person safety events on Friday, September 19, at stations in Brunswick, Portland, and Durham.

    Every year, hundreds of lives are lost or impacted by grade crossing incidents and track trespassing—many of which are entirely preventable. “See Tracks? Think Train!” serves as a powerful reminder that trains can come at any time, from either direction, and are often quieter and faster than they appear.

    “Rail safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said Patricia Quinn, Executive Director of NNEPRA. “During ‘See Tracks? Think Train!’ Week, we’re urging drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to make safe choices around railroad tracks and crossings. Whether you’re in a vehicle or on foot, staying alert can save your life.”

    Get Involved

    • Follow Amtrak Downeaster on social media and share daily rail safety tips.
    • Wear red on Friday, September 19, to show your support for rail safety awareness. Snap a photo, post it to social media, and use the hashtag #SeeTracksThinkTrainWeek.

    NNEPRA invites media partners and outlets to join in amplifying the message of rail safety. PSAs and promotional materials are available upon request or by visiting oli.org.

    – Taylor Auclair, Marketing Director at NNEPRA

    Exeter, NH Hosts Station Committee Meeting

    On Wednesday, August 27th, NNEPRA joined the Station Committee in historic Exeter, NH.

    The Station Committee meets with NNEPRA staff quarterly to review ridership trends, milestones, and discuss shared resources and opportunities to better their station facilities. These can include repair work, marketing materials to display, and any service impacts they may expect. NNEPRA closes the meeting with a Roundtable discussion to deepen these conversations and get leaders thinking and brainstorming solutions, together.

    On this day, NNEPRA staff and committee members took the Amtrak Downeaster from their respective stations to Exeter, NH. As the train made its way South, the group grew in size, enjoyed food and beverages from the Downeaster Cafe car, and caught up on projects in progress.

    The meeting was held at Vino e Veo, a local favorite. Enjoying the outdoor patio on the Squamscott Riverfront, complete with sunshine and stats the team can be very proud of. FY26 is shaping up to be a strong start for the Amtrak Downeaster.

    The day concluded with an educational walking tour of historic downtown Exeter, NH. NNEPRA staff raved about the charm, diversity in shops, and preservation of historic buildings and landmarks. A stop along the Downeaster route you will not want to skip over.

    Looking for more Exeter? Check out the 13th Annual Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival happening on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, at Swasey Parkway in downtown Exeter.

    – Taylor Auclair, Marketing Director at NNEPRA

    Expansion of Wells Train Station Begins

    The expansion to Downeaster train facilities at the Wells Transportation Center began on March 3, 2025.  The project includes the replacement of the existing high level boarding platform adjacent to the Wells Station building as well as the construction of a second boarding platform across the tracks connected by an overhead pedestrian bridge.  The additional platform will allow Amtrak Downeaster trains arriving at the station from opposing directions to board and alight passengers simultaneously. 

    The contract to construct the platform and pedestrian bridge was awarded to Great Falls Construction, based in Gorham, following a competitive bid process.  The $11.8M project will support approximately 80 jobs and involve approximately 40 suppliers throughout its 18 month duration.

    “We are excited to collaborate with NNEPRA on this endeavor which will enhance transportation infrastructure and serve the Maine community and its visitors well for year to come.  It’s a great project and we are happy to be a part of it,” said Jon Smith, President of Great Falls Construction.

    Amtrak Downeaster trains will continue to operate throughout construction.   A temporary boarding platform will be built to provide passenger access to trains and the traffic flow within the parking lot will be modified while work is underway.

    The platform expansion is part of the  $31.9 million Wells Area Improvement Project (WAIP) funded in part by the Federal Railroad Administration through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) discretionary grant program, with matching funds provided by the Maine Department of Transportation and CSX Transportation.  The WAIP project also included a six-mile extension to the second track located in front of the station, which was completed by CSX in 2024. 

    The additional platform, combined with the added track capacity, will support an additional Downeaster train which will operate between Brunswick and Wells each morning on a schedule designed to serve commuters travelling to and from the Greater Portland Region.   A start date for that frequency has not been determined. 

    “We are delighted to work with Great Falls on this important project that will provide more options for Maine residents to get back and forth to work without adding to traffic congestion,” said Patricia Quinn, NNEPRA Executive Director.  “We are grateful for the partnership and collaboration with our funding and operating partners, as well as the Town of Wells and Maine Turnpike Authority, which owns the Wells Station property, throughout this project.”

    For Downeaster schedules and fares visit AmtrakDowneaster.com

    – Natalie Bogart, Deputy Director at NNEPRA