Tag: Station Experience

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